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ladybookstan · 2 years

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So do we, Little Witchling

Headcanon - Baby Manorian (part two) With The Thirteen

The part one is here!!

⚠️KoA Spoiler Alert!

I'm still in Tower of Dawn, but I couldn't protect myself from that spoiler. So I know what's going to happen with The Thirteen (not in detail, at least I managed to save myself from getting the whole spoiler) @positivewitch get ready for when I get to KoA, you will comfort me, my lady.

When I did the other headcanon Baby Manorian I kept thinking about The Thirteen, wherever in a World Beyond they are, can they see Manon? See her happiness? So I decided to write about it, and tried a different writing, as if we were really with Asterin, the Baby Manorian. I hope you enjoy it, and feedbacks are always very welcome💛✨

@any-mel @lady-elorcangwynrielmanorian @throne-of-roses-city

Asterin Blackbeak Crochan Havilliard was in Perranth, Terrasen, spending a week with her aunt and uncle. A month after her fifteenth birthday.

The day was incredible. Very hot, but incredible, and the Crown Princess of Adarlan was sitting atop a small hill, under the shade of a large tree, looking out over the estate of the Lady and Lord of Perranth. A multitude of trees making up a beautiful landscape stretched behind her.

The young Heir of the Crochan Witch Clan had climbed the small hill after helping her aunt set up the lunch table in the gardens. That was one of Asterin's favorite places in the whole world. And she was there thinking and feeling it.

Ever since she could remember, the young princess had always felt that way. Ever since she was little, Asterin had always felt as if something was with her all the time.

It was the presence of someone, some being that was in another world, but somehow managed to gain access to her, with some limits, but still it was a constant presence, strong and powerful. Presences, really. Or something like that.

The first time the princess remembered feeling that was when she was five years old. It wasn't a very clear memory, it was in the back of Asterin's mind.

It was night and a storm was falling outside. The princess woke up startled by the sound of thunder and clung to her pink blanket. She was feeling so scared and just wanted her parents. Staying with her mother always made her feel brave, and in her father's embrace, the princess always found comfort and security. But that night, with every thunder that sounded, Asterin cringed more and more. Then she felt it, presences in the room and something like an invisible hand caressing her face, reassuring her. It wasn't like her father's invisible hands, fun and playful, it was like her mother's hand. A feminine hand, firm and warm. A moment later came the feeling. Of security, calm. It was at that moment that the young princess got out of bed, still clutching the pink blanket, and went to her parents' room. Those presences accompanying her, assuring her that everything was okay. She didn't need to be afraid of the dark. When Asterin reached her parents' room, she climbed into the middle of the bed and fell asleep quickly, knowing she was safe.

The memory left a smile on Asterin's face, and she lifted her head when she heard soft footsteps on her side. The Lady of Perranth was walking toward her, in a beautiful light blue dress and with a big smile.

"Lunch is almost ready and whatever you are thinking is making the gears work hard." She spoke as she sat down beside Asterin on the green grass. The Heir of the Crochan Witch Clan loved the fact that her aunt was so perceptive, for someone so small, the woman held too much wisdom. Elide Lochan was, without a doubt, one of the young princess' favorite people.

"Can I tell you something really crazy?" Hesitation danced in Asterin's words and Elide looked at the young woman she considered not only her niece, but a second daughter as well and smiled.

"Honey, I am part of the Court of Aelin, I am best friends with your mother, I am married to Lord Lorcan Lochan and my son is his father's copy. There's a lot of craziness around me, so you can tell me anything." The princess smiled at that and looked at the landscape in front of her and began to tell what she had never told anyone before.

"This is the first time I've ever told that. But I think I can feel them sometimes, the Thirteen. They are like presences around me and bring me a sense of security, strength and power. I don't know how to explain it, Aunt Elide, I just... I feel it. I don't know when I started to be sure that they are these presences around me, but at some moments, when I am flying with Abraxos, it is as if the wind whispered very softly to me the names of each one. It gives me a feeling of happiness for I am in the sky, for I am alive and in a better world, and I open my arms, shout with joy and close my eyes. Or sometimes when I'm training, with Dad or with one of my uncles, if I pay close attention to my surroundings I can feel someone helping me, to control my breathing, to keep me focused, to pull the raw magic out of me and control it."

The princess paused and continued.

"When I was little, I think it was they, The Thirteen, who taught me not to be afraid of the dark... Every time I tried to do something really hard and couldn't, I always had something telling me to try again. And again, if I had to. Until I succeeded. And when I did, I always had the feeling that I had made someone proud, and not just my parents or family, but someone who was not in this world. I don't see ghosts or hauntings, I wouldn't be so calm if that were the case, but I feel them. All Thirteen of them. I know the personalities of each of them, and I blame Mom for that, but maybe it's easier for me to feel the presences of each one because it's like I know them."

The Crown Princess of Adarlan looked at the Lady of Perranth, who was wearing a small smile and an expression that held so many emotions.

"And I feel them everywhere I am. Adarlan, here in Terrasen, in the Witch Kingdom, in the South Continent... It's like they never leave me. I don't know, they're like... I haven't found a word that fits. Guardians? Protectors? I mean, I know they weren't sweet and gentle witches. I'm well aware of that, but then do they like me?"

The Heir of the Crochan Witch Clan sighed, feeling lighter for finally saying all that out loud, and stared at the grass below her.

"I wonder if this is real, Auntie. Or did my mother tell me too many stories of the Thirteen and now I'm imagining it or going crazy? Is this worrying? Because I haven't found any explanation."

A small, delicate, firm hand touched Asterin's hand. Looking up, she saw Elide smile and understood that her aunt didn't think she was crazy.

"Just because something is inexplicable, doesn't mean it isn't real." And in that moment, Asterin Blackbeak Crochan Havilliard loved Elide Lochan a little more.

"So you believe me and don't think I'm crazy?" The Lady of Perranth's smile grew.

"Of course I believe you and you are not crazy. In our world, the impossible is... so possible. And I have met the Thirteen, I have no doubt that they would find some way to be near Manon and you. No matter where they are."

"Do you really think so?" A lump was stuck in Asterin's throat, but she continued to look at her aunt.

"I am sure. Now, why don't you try talking to them?" The young princess almost felt her eyes pop out so wide open they were.

"What? Talk to the Thirteen? Now? Here?" The questions came out without pause and Elide stood up.

"Exactly. I'll see if anything is missing before lunch is ready. I'll ask Lorcan or Cal to call you for lunch." Asterin was trying to process everything.

"Hum, I've never tried to talk to them. Do you think that could...happen? Work?" Elide crouched in front of her niece and tucked a lock of dark hair - identical to Dorian's - behind the princess's ear. Staring into eyes of molten gold - identical to Manon's - the Lady of Perranth spoke softly:

"You will never know unless you try." And so, she began to walk away. She walked down the small hill and headed toward the estate.

Ten minutes later, Asterin was still thinking about what she was going to do. How would she talk to the Thirteen? How would she talk to the witches who were and still are her Heroines? It was all so unbelievable that it might be funny if Asterin wasn't really considering talking to them. It could all be funny if she really wasn't looking up at the sky and clearing her throat to start talking to her mother's Old Alliance.

"Hum, hello? I am Asterin. Manon's daughter. I believe you guys know me. In fact, I am 100% sure that you know me. I don't want to bother you right now, but can I talk to you or something?" Asterin Blackbeak Crochan Havilliard wanted to bury her head in the sand and forget what she had just said. That was the most embarrassing moment of her entire life.

Closing her eyes, Asterin rubbed her face with both hands. She was going crazy too young. Her aunt was too kind to say. That was the only explanation for all this.

Suddenly a light, warm, gentle breeze shook the young princess's long hair. And she felt it, without any fear. As she opened her eyes and looked around to find no one, she felt how she could feel the sun's rays on her skin, or how she could feel the breeze that brought them with it.

The presences that had always been with her. Her mother's Old Alliance. The Thirteen.

The princess was nervous and she didn't know why, but her heart was beating frantically and wildly. Then she said the first thing that came to her mind.

"She misses all of you. Even if she doesn't talk about it, I know." The light breeze caressed the princess's cheeks and she could have sworn she heard a distant, feminine whisper from a firm voice.

We know.

A laugh escaped the Crown Princess of Adarlan's lips and she continued.

"Can you hear me? See me?" So many feelings were overflowing from the princess's voice. And once again, that breeze caressed Asterin's cheeks, distant, but in an affectionate way.

Always.

"Sorrel. Vesta. Faline. Fallon. Edda. Briar. Thea. Kaya. Lin. Ghislaine. Imogem... And Asterin." Speaking their names knowing they would hear should not make the young princess so happy.

It's us, Little Witchling.

A different voice. Using the nickname her parents gave her. That made the princess smile. A very big smile.

"I want to talk to you guys so much, and I can't believe I didn't do this before. My mom will be so happy, even if she won't show it, you know how she is and-" The princess stopped talking when she realized the whisper that the breeze was carrying to her.

It's not that simple. We won't be able to talk to you again for a long time.

Another voice and the princess' smile narrowed, she asked the question more necessary than the others.

"For how long? Days? Weeks? Months?" The voice that whispered, the princess could swear it was Ghislaine. Dorian Havilliard's daughter could recognize another reader's voice even if they were worlds apart.

Too long, that's all we could say.

"I understand." The whisper came from the daughter of the last Crochan Queen this time. And she really understood, she had read and heard enough stories to know that everything had a price. Even the impossible that became possible would always have a difficult side.

A light breeze wrapped the princess like a soft blanket, as if to take away her sadness, and this time, a warm, cheerful voice spoke.

Tell Manon that we have found peace. Tell her that we are happy for her, that she found happiness, that she had you. Tell her that I found my Hunter and my Witchling. Tell her that we wish things could have been different, but none of us would change what we did.

Tears danced the young princess's vision and she knew exactly who had spoken to her.

"Asterin." The name came out as a sob, but the daughter of the King of Adarlan was smiling. And smiling wider as the light breeze enveloped her face.

It's me.

A tear fell down the cheek of Manon's daughter, but soon disappeared, as if someone had wiped it away. At that moment, the whole thing was unbelievable and inexplicable. "Just because something is inexplicable, doesn't mean it isn't real." That was real. The young princess could feel it in her bones and in her blood.

"I hope I am doing where I deserve to use your name." That was the only thing she could say to show how honored she felt to be called Asterin. And as if she could read the princess's thoughts, Asterin herself whispered.

The honor is all mine, Little Witchling.

"Will I stop feeling you guys? Will you go away?" The most important questions.

Never. We will always be with you.

The young princess could have cried with relief. And she was sure it was Sorrel who whispered this time.

"Thank you. For everything. I would have loved to have known you all." And that was so true.

So do we, Little Witchling.

The light breeze grew stronger and began to get cold. The young princess knew the moment was ending, so she spoke the words that would be a hundred times better than a goodbye.

"My mother will never forget you. And neither will I." Bringing two fingers to her forehead, Asterin closed her eyes and felt twelve beautiful smiles directed at her and then the breeze went away.

The heat returned fully and the Crown Princess of Adarlan sat on top of that small hill, watching the landscape for a while. Smiling. And crying. But very, very happy.

..................

"Asterin! Lunch!." The Lord of Perranth's voice sounded throughout the place, causing a few birds to fly up and shout back.

"I'm coming, Uncle Lorcan!" Then Asterin Blackbeak Crochan Havilliard came down the small hill, with a giant smile, knowing that she had never been and never would be alone, and ran towards her uncle, who was waiting for her.

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acciowests · 4 years

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Bathtubs and Tonics

WORD COUNT: 843

SUMMARY: Lady Elide Lochan is only a few months pregnant and is already experiencing terrible pain and morning sickness due to the baby's fae dna. Her husband Lorcan makes sure to look after his wife as best as possible during this time and reassure her of his love for not only her, but their unborn child.

Curled up into the tightest ball upon her bed, Elide stifled a moan against her pillow as a wave of nausea hit over her. She had been under her duvet all morning, not daring to unclench her tense muscles as she wrapped her arms around her legs and pushed them to her chest. Lorcan was due back from his meeting any minute and she was rather relieved to have her husband home when she was like this. Pregnant, only a couple of months but pregnant nonetheless. They had found out when Elide told Lorcan her cycle was late and they had gone to a healer who confirmed Elide's condition. She was with child. They were beyond delighted, they had been trying for almost two years and finally, she was blessed with a babe within her womb.

The front door closed with a light bang, shortly followed by footsteps ascending the stairs. Peaking her head out from the covers, Elide watched as Lorcan walked into the room, a mug of something in his hand. He set the beverage down on the bedside table before sitting beside Elide. He brushed back her hair which stuck to her sweaty brow and placed a gentle kiss to her temple.

"How are you feeling, El?" He asked, his voice soft and gentle as he watched his wife with a smile. Elide shuddered as her stomach cramped, bile burning her throat. She just shook her head, a lone tear escaping her eye. Lorcan brushed the tear away before grabbing the mug from the table.

"I got this for you. It won't taste nice but it should settle your stomach. It's just a tonic for morning sickness." He explained, lifting the mug to her lips and holding her head from behind as Elide sipped at it. Elide slowly shifted, climbing into Lorcan's lap and laying her head against his chest. He wrapped his arms fully around her, putting the mug back down and holding her while she panted against the nausea that rocked through her body.

"Tell me what I can do. Anything Elide, just tell me." He begged, rubbing her back and rocking her gently.

"A bath," she panted, pushing her face into Lorcan's neck as she wrapped her arms around herself. Lorcan nodded lifting her up and carrying her into the bathroom. Sitting Elide do on the toilet seat, Lorcan began to run her a warm bath, mixing oils and soaps within the water.

Elide knelt down beside the toilet seat, gagging over the basin before bile spilt out of her mouth. Elide choked back tears as Lorcan rushed over to her, running his hand over her back in circles and using his other hand to hold her hair back. Grabbing a rag from the side, Elide wiped her mouth and shakingly stood up. Lorcan held onto her waist as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"Sorry..." She muttered, cheeks becoming heated. She smelt of sweat and sick, her hair was beyond dirty and it was easily the worst state she has been in for a while.

Lorcan shook his head in protest, beginning to pull Elide's nightgown from her body. Standing naked against her husband, Elide allowed Lorcan to lift her into the tub and set her in the warm water. Releasing a heavy sigh, Elide settled down comfortably and cradled her stomach which was only slightly swollen. Lorcan moved behind Elide, beginning to braid back her hair and rub her shoulders.

"I'm happy about being pregnant. I really am. Just... how long am I gonna be spewing my guts up?" Elide groaned, leaning into Lorcan's touch. He chuckled, the warmth of his breath tickling her neck.

"I can't wait to meet our little one. I do hate to see you like this though. I feel so useless." He sighed, massaging her shoulders gently. Her skin was gentle, as it had always been. Ever since they had been in Terrasen, Elide's pale shading had tanned against the northern sun and Lorcan ran his fingers along the tan line that marked her neck.

"Me too. I'm not too excited to push them out though," Elide chuckled, running circles over her stomach. The nausea had subsided for now and the warmth of the water melted the ache of her muscles.

Lorcan twisted to the side, one hand on the back of his wife's neck as he pressed a kiss to her temple, "No matter what, I'm always going to be here for you and our child. It's us against the world."

Elide chuckled, her hand contently rested on her bump, "I love you so much, Lorcan Lochan."

Lorcan slipped his spare hand into the water, resting atop of Elide's before pushing a kiss to her lips, "I love you, Elide Lochan."

Lorcan had vowed everything to Elide, tied his very life to her own, and now had his child growing inside her womb. He had never and would never love anyone more than her and was more grateful to have met her with every single day that passed.

* * *

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#my writing #fanfic #fanfiction #writing #elorcan #elorcan au #elorcan fluff #elorcan fic #elorcan pregnancy au #pregnancy #elide x lorcan #elide lochan #lorcan salvaterre #sjm #sarah j maas #throne of glass

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shyvioletcat · 4 years

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yknow that sad fic you wrote where aelin died in labour? could you maybe write one where rhoe and evalin survive and get to meet aelin and rowan's daughter? (like for the first time)

Let me tell you what happened. I was reading flashback scenes in Heir of Fire and I was like “damn i really want to write a fic about Evalin and Rhoe now”. Then I open tumblr and guess what appears in my ask box. I don’t know how you managed to read my mind anon, but you did. Then I got super carried away and this got long. Like 1300 words long.

~~~~~

Evalin had been reading in the Royal private rooms when Marion Lochan burst in with a letter in her hand.

“This just came from the cottage,” she said a little breathlessly as she rushed forward.

Evalin tried not to snatch it from Marion’s hand, but she couldn’t help it, her friend didn’t seem to mind, though. Evalin could feel Marion’s eyes on her as she read the note. Very short. Two sentences. The Queen of Terrasen gasped then handed the letter back to Marion before she was running from the room.

She knew Rhoe was in a meeting, but she didn’t care. She didn’t care about the curious glances from the servants who were milling about the palace, or the slightly alarmed ones from the guards as they rushed to open the door of the council room before she hit them. Inside all those around the table stood as she entered, murmuring Majesty as they did. All except King Rhoe Galathynius. He remained seated, watching his wife intently.

“Ev, what is it?” He asked.

“Aelin’s gone into labour,” Evalin said, breathing hard.

Rhoe blinked once then he was up, standing so fast his chair fell to the floor. “If you will excuse us.”

Rhoe took Evalin by the hand and started to lead the to their private rooms but she tugged him towards where they would meet their carriage.

“Marion knows. She would have seen to getting our departure ready,” Evalin explained.

“She’s a good woman,” Rhoe said quietly. Evalin gave him a nervous smile and Rhoe squeezed her hand.

As they excited the palace it was apparent that Marion had indeed taken the initiative and the carriage was moments from being ready to leave. At the bottom of the stairs Marion pulled Evalin into an embrace.

“Aelin is strong, Evalin,” Marion whispered. “It will all be well.”

Evalin wanted to say something, anything. But she couldn’t, her throat was too tight. Marion stepped back and pushed something into Evalin’s trembling hands.

“For the baby,” Marion said an then she was pulling Rhoe into a brief embrace as well. “Travel safe.”

“Thank you, Marion,” Rhoe said and Evalin knew it wasn’t just for his kind words. Marion gave him a tight smile in return.

Evalin turned to the carriage and Rhoe handed her up into it before stepping in behind her. Quinn rode past the window on his black horse. As Captain of the guard it was only natural that he would be escorting them. It only took a few breaths before the carriage was moving, the rattle of it and the clipping of the horses hooves the only sound. Evalin watched as Orynth passed by her window, some of the citizens waving or bowing as they went past. She sat back so they couldn’t see her face, the worry and fear she didn’t doubt was etched there.

Rhoe sensed her mood and laced his fingers with hers. It did nothing to quell her anxieties but it did bring her some comfort. About a month ago Aelin decided to leave Orynth with her mate, Aedion and a few select others for the remainder of her pregnancy. Court life was becoming more and more tedious and Aelin was about to start burning the hands of those who seemed to think her rounded stomach was an invitation for advice, stories or touching. Rowan had become a constant presence beside Aelin and his snarling face had kept people away. But then that had caused more issues, one of which was Aelin constantly snapping at him for his fussiness, so Aelin decided it would be best if they left court and stayed at the cottage by the borders of the Oakwald. It was only a few hours from Orynth and Aelin had promised to keep her mother informed and she was welcome to visit at any time. And Evalin had, almost once a week until now.

They exited the gates of the city and Evalin lifted a trembling to her face. Her own pregnancy with Aelin had been hard, in brutal honesty it had almost killed her. Rhoe had been the one to keep her tethered to this world, the one that willed the air back into her lungs. She worried for Aelin. That she had inherited too much of her fae blood, that she might...

“Rowan is with her. He will do everything he can for Aelin and the baby,” Rhoe said quietly. “Evalin, love, you need try and be calm. You’ll wear yourself out before we arrive.”

“I can’t.” It was those two word that shattered Evalin’s resolve. A shuddering sob escaped her lips and tears streamed from her eyes. Rhoe gathered her into his arms and kissed her head. He knew there were no words of comfort he could give his wife so he offered whatever else he could.

~~~~~

Evalin stayed in Rhoe’s arms for the rest of the journey, she only shifted a little when they passed through the high perimeter wall that encircled the cottage. The carriage had barely stopped before she was out of Rhoe’s arms completely and running through the ornate front garden and to the door. A primal scream echoed throughout the cottage as Evalin passed the threshold. Immediately she was rushing up the stairs to the second level where the bedrooms were. Aedion and Elide looked up at her arrival. Elide stood and curtsied while Aedion strode forward to embrace his Aunt.

“How is she?” Evalin asked, her voice wavering.

“She’s been going since early this morning,” Aedion explained as Rhoe joined them. “Rowan said Aelin’s doing fine. But it doesn’t... it doesn’t sound like it to me.”

Evalin would have laughed if she could. Aedion would never understand what it was to bring a child into the world, what it took, the sacrifice. Evalin’s eyes darted to the door at the end of the hallway, behind which was Aelin’s bedroom.

“She only wanted Rowan and the healer in there, no one else,” Aedion said quietly.

Evalin nodded her understanding. Aedion indicated to the seat he just vacated and Evalin took it. Elide gave her a small smile.

“Holy gods and rutting hells just get it out!”

Evalin looked at Rhoe who’s eyes were a little wide.

“That’s one of the tamer curses we’ve heard,” Elide said wryly.

Elide’s words were followed by a pained groan from beyond the door.

Rhoe shook his head. “I don’t think I can do this. Come out to the garden, Aedion?”

Aedion murmured his agreement and the men left down the stairs. Elide remained with the Queen as they waited. And waited. And waited. More curses and sounds of pain were heard through the door, each one like a knife to Evalin’s heart. But each one told her Aelin was alive. That she was breathing.

Aelin screamed again, and Evalin felt it shudder against her bones, it was raw and brutal and the beats of silence that followed seemed to drag on for millennia. Then there was a cry of a baby and Evalin was weeping. She may have been weeping for hours, she couldn’t remember. The baby continued to cry and it was one of the most beautiful sounds Evalin had ever heard.

“I’ll tell the others,” Elide said and she was gone.

Evalin remained sitting, watching the door intently. Willing it to open. Soon Rhoe, Aedion and Elide joined her again. Still they waited.

When the door finally did open Evalin was on her feet, her hand reaching for Rhoe’s. The healer was smiling as she closed the door behind her. Then she curtsied.

“They are both healthy and well, Majesties. The Princess has asked for a while longer before she receives visitors. Prince Rowan will tell you when they are ready.”

“Thank you,” Evalin said and the healer gave her a genuine smile before nodding her head and leaving.

“They’re alright Rhoe,” Evalin whispered as she lent into her husbands chest. “They’re alright.”

~~~~~

Evalin tried not to count the minutes until the door opened, but it was almost an hour later that Rowan emerged. His silver hair was a mess and he looked a bit haggard but his smile was bright and joyous.

“Aelin is asking for you,” Rowan said to both Evalin and Rhoe.

Evalin didn’t wait for anything more before she was moving forward. She paused in the doorway placing a hand on Rowan’s arm and he covered it with his own. But that was only for a lingering moment before she stepped into the room completely. Behind her she heard Rhoe and Rowan murmur a greeting and then sounds as if they hand embraced each other. But it was the sight in front of her that had tears welling in her eyes.

The room was set in a warm glow from the candles that were lit. Aelin sat propped up in bed, her face showing how utterly exhausted she was but she was smiling at her mother. The baby was bundled against her chest and Evalin could see a tiny fist poking out of the blankets latched onto Aelin’s finger. Evalin’s hand rested above her heart as the first tear rolled down her cheek. There was a quiet snuffling noise that has Aelin looking at the baby in her arms and her smile turned into a grin. Evalin stepped forward, far enough so she could see the baby’s face.

Such heartbreaking perfection in that tiny face.

Evalin’s sigh came out shuddering and Aelin looked up at her mother.

“Would you like to hold her?” Aelin’s voice was quiet and rough, proof her entire body still recovering.

Evalin nodded, words somewhere beyond her reach, and she leaned forward to take the baby from Aelin’s arms. The entirety of the world fell away as Evalin looked at her granddaughter. In that moment nothing else mattered except for the new life in her arms. She pressed a gentle kiss to the baby’s forehead, a tearful laugh followed.

“She’s so beautiful, Fireheart,” Evalin said. She was still looking at the baby, couldn’t take her eyes off her. “She’s perfect.”

Evalin sensed Rhoe come to stand beside her and she looked at him. There was a look of absolute wonder on his face. Evalin passed the baby into his arms and watched as tears unabashedly fell from his eyes. Evalin looked back to Aelin, silver now lining her eyes as she watched her father meet her daughter. Aelin turned away as Rowan joined her on the bed pressing a gentle kiss to his mate’s forehead.

“I never want to let her go,” Rhoe said quietly. But just then the baby started to squirm, followed by a whine that turned into a piercing cry. Rhoe looked shocked, as if after all these years he had forgotten that babies did that. “I stand corrected.”

Aelin laughed at him and reached out her arms to take the baby back. Rhoe passed the newborn back to her mother and after a few moments the room was quiet again. Evalin watched as Rowan draped an arm around Aelin, his other hand gently smoothing over his daughter’s head. She had not seen a more perfect sight in all her years.

~~~~~

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creampuffqueen · 5 years

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Worlds of Fire and Darkness | Chapter Six (Sam)

Read this on AO3! (Here) Comments and likes and all the like are always so much appreciated!

Sam and the royal family welcome the Lords and Ladies of Terrasen in preparation for the Annual Peace Ball.

Lyria and I spent barely five minutes with the healer before she sent us away. She healed our bruises and scrapes, and even eased the ache of training. Despite her efforts, I still ached for a hot bath. I made sure that a servant was sent to draw me a bath before I walked Lyria to her room. I was still reeling from our sparring match and our argument; still trying to tell what was real and what wasn't.

I hardly spoke to my sister on the way to her suite, except to promise to take her down to dinner. She didn't make an effort to, so I didn't either. Her unusual silence left me to stew in my thoughts of the afternoon. What I had done. Making my way back to my own chambers, I replayed every conversation we'd had in an attempt to figure out what was going on. Was Lyria mad at me? Was she joking? I could never tell, and it was bothering me.

Steam was wafting from my bathing chambers as I walked inside my room, the scent of oils and herbs hitting me a moment later. With a grateful sigh I peeled off my sweaty clothes and eased into the large porcelain tub. The water was nearly blistering hot, how I liked it. Lyria often wondered how I could stand such temperatures, how I was okay to have my skin red and angry every time I bathed. With her magic leaning more towards flames, she didn't understand how the heat could soothe my core of ice. My other siblings, my father too, they knew.

I sank deeper into the water, wetting my hair and scrubbing my hands through it. The heat was relaxing my tense limbs, and I couldn't help but close my eyes.

When I woke up the sun was setting.

Cursing madly, I scrambled out of the bath and wiped off with a towel, not focused enough to dry myself with my flames. My hair was dripping water down my back and onto the plush carpet as I dug through my wardrobe frantically. Had mother mentioned a dress code? I couldn't remember. I opted for the safe route, Terrasen green with silver embroidery. If I didn't match and instead stuck out like a sore thumb, at least I was wearing my house colors.

I was trying to button my jacket and brush my hair at the same time, and was failing terribly. I threw the brush to the ground to fix the buttons that I'd gotten mixed up, then turned around to look for my belt. I had just put it down, how could one lose a belt buckle in two minutes?! I dropped to the floor and was in the process of searching under the furniture when a knock sounded on my door. I was under the dresser, and the knock had me slamming into the underside. I cursed again at the pain sprouting in my head and slipped back out to answer the door.

Lyria stood before me, impatiently tapping her foot. She took one look at my wet hair, my mismatched buttons, my missing belt, and just sighed. "Sam, you're a mess." Not giving me time to answer, she stepped into my room and shut the door behind her, and then she was reaching for my hair.

"How long were you in the bath?" She drawled, flicking her wrist and drying my hair instantly. I flinched at the feeling and I saw her dip her head to hide her soft laugh. "Did you fall asleep or something?"

"Yeah." I muttered. I pushed her away gently and unbuttoned my shirt so I could button it again, properly. She nodded and looked around my room for the belt. A heartbeat later, she produced it from where it had fallen behind the chair I'd set it on. She passed it to me and I finally finished getting dressed. Thankfully I seemed to be fitting in; Lyria was in a flowing gown of dark green that matched my own tunic.

My sister smiled at me and linked her arm with mine, and then we were out the door. She said nothing about my earlier promise to get her at her rooms, instead opting for silence. It was strange. My golden-haired sister was usually so talkative, chattering on about anything and everything. Was she still trying to make sense of the afternoon? We hadn't done much different than we usually did, but something about the encounter seemed off. We'd argued, sometimes worse than what we'd said earlier. But something was different.

I couldn't take it anymore, the silence. So I did something I hardly ever did. I spoke first.

"About this afternoon," I said cautiously. "I didn't mean to offend you. I did take advantage of you, and I'm sorry."

If she was surprised by me speaking up, Lyria didn't say. She merely shook her head and said, "I'm not mad. I'm just... tired. It's not your fault." And then she was quiet again.

Before I had the chance to push about it, we arrived at the Great Hall. Mom and Dad were already there, in the same green scheme as the rest of us. Aspen and Evalin were there as well, looking bored. The twins were no where to be seen, though they were probably right behind us. Lyria and I made our way to our thrones of oak and emerald and took a seat to wait. I was sitting to my father's left, Aspen to my own left. When Thallan arrived, he would sit to Aspen's left. Lyria, on the other hand, sat on Mom's right, with Evalin to her right and Aerith to her further right. At the foot of my mother's throne sat Fleetfoot, asleep already. The dog was older than I was, yet not a single gray hair was on her muzzle. A puzzle for another day.

As predicted, the twins arrived mere moments after us, and took their respective seats. We all wore green tonight.

With everyone seated, Mom waved to one of the guards at the front doors, signaling that we were ready. Leaning back into the oak wood, I could have fallen asleep again, were it not an important event I was supposed to be monitoring and participating in. The windows were open, allowing the spring breeze inside to weave around us, ruffling hair and carrying the scent of pine and flowers.

Springtime. This time every year was the Annual Peace ball, held in different locations every year. Celebrating the defeat of Maeve and Erawan. I'd attended the ball in many different places; Rifthold, Anielle, the Western Wastes, the Southern Continent. However, this was definitely not the first year it was held in Terrasen. Guests would soon be arriving from everywhere. Today, however, was the day the Lords and Ladies of Terrasen arrived.

We waited for maybe fifteen minutes, and in that time I had sent about eight angry gusts in Thallan's direction, warning him to be quiet. I was getting ready to send a ninth when the guards at the front doors stepped away, opened the doors, and lifted the trumpets to their lips to blow the two-note summons. I sat up straight in my seat, reigning in my winds.

"The Lord and Lady of Caraverre." The guards announced, and my aunt and uncle made their way into the hall. Behind them came their daughter, my cousin, Asceline Ashryver. She wore a dress of deep blue, a shade that highlighted the turquoise in her eyes so much I could see them even from my high vantage point.

The Ashryvers made their way to the foot of the dias our thrones were seated on and bowed deeply. When they lifted their heads, I could see my mother's radiant smile as she spoke.

"Lysandra, Aedion, Asceline. Welcome back to Orynth." Mom dug her nails into the wood of her throne as if it were an effort not to stand up and embrace her friends. Knowing her, it likely was. I flashed Asceline a smile, and she offered a smirk in return. I snorted softly and shook my head. Typical Asceline. The Ashryvers finished the standard greetings, then made their way to the side wall to stand and wait for the others.

It wasn't long before the horns blared again, this time to announce the arrival of my other cousin, Evangeline Ashryver, Lady of Arran. She'd only been Lady for about three years, ever since Lord Darrow passed. After her greetings she went to stand by the rest of her family. Out of the corner of my eye I caught Asceline happily embracing her older sister.

Other Lords and Ladies came, some with children, some without. The routine soon became monotonous, and I found myself zoning out. I gave out the mindless greeting required, but did nothing beyond. I felt bad for Asceline, forced to endure this all, but without a chair to sit in. The wall became crowded quickly, and I thought we were done. However, the horn blared again, and I scrambled around in my thoughts, trying to remember who was left.

Perranth. Duh. I cursed myself as the guards announced the Lord and Lady of Perranth. How could I have forgotten Perranth, the next biggest city in Terrasen, next to Orynth?

I was still mentally kicking myself when said Lord and Lady appeared, along with all of their children. How could i have forgotten Perranth, when they had a brood to rival that of my own parents.

Elide and Lorcan stopped at the throne and bowed, along with their gangly group of sons. They had five sons, born one after the other, every single one dark haired, dark eyed, and freckled. They also had a little girl, and she bowed along with her brothers, while holding the hand of her eldest brother, Folas. When they stood up straight again, I didn't miss the small look between Lyria and Folas. Something to tease her about later, I supposed. But first, food.

When everyone was on the wall, Mom and Dad finally stood up and stepped off the dias. We all followed, with me grabbing the arm of Evalin to escort her to the dining room. The dining hall was large, which was good. There were so many people i didn't really know what to do, and in the following days, even more would be coming. After all, the entire royal family from the Southern Continent was invited to the Peace Ball.

I led Evalin to her seat, and then found mine, which was sat between Lyria and Asceline, and across from all of the Lochan children. Gods, they all looked so similar, I couldn't even tell which one was directly across from me. Silently cursing Elide and Lorcan for having a brood of near-identical children, I was saved from future awkwardness by Lyria addressing him directly: Folas.

Oddly, Lyria wouldn't even catch my eye. She always did at fancy dinners, to let me know I was not the only one wishing it was already over. But not a single glance in my direction.

Feeling put off, I turned my attention to Asceline. And though she was engaged in conversation with me, I followed her stare across the table to the youngest Allsbrook son, Leo. Groaning internally, I decided that the gods were not in my favor tonight conversation-wise and resolved myself to a quiet evening.

However, when my acute Fae hearing picked up exactly what was being said between Folas and Lyria, I decided that perhaps a quiet night wasn't to be.

#throne of glass #a court of thorns and roses #tog #acotar #rowaelin #lysaedion #elorcan #generation 2 #legacies #children

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ladybookstan · 2 years

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I didn't know I had the capacity to cry so much. Until I got to those scenes. If anyone looks for me, tell them I'm trying to rehydrate.

Heir of Fire - Chapter 54

Her parents argued the first two nights at the manor, and Lady Marion kept her company, reading to her, brushing her hair, telling her stories of her home in Perranth. Marion had been a laundress in the palace from her childhood. But when Evalin arrived, they had become friends—mostly because the princess had stained her new husband’s favorite shirt with ink and wanted to get it cleaned before he noticed.

Evalin soon made Marion her lady-in-waiting, and then Lord Lochan had returned from a rotation on the southern border. Handsome Cal Lochan, who somehow became the dirtiest man in the castle and constantly needed Marion’s advice on how to remove various stains. Who one day asked a bastard-born servant to be his wife—and not just wife, but Lady of Perranth, the second-largest territory in Terrasen. Two years later, she had borne him Elide, heir of Perranth.

..........

“Aelin,” Marion whispered, and small, strong hands found her face, forcing her to look at the white-as-snow features, the bloodred lips. “Aelin, listen to me.” Though Marion was breathing quickly, her voice was even. “You are going to run for the river. Do you remember the way to the footbridge?” The narrow rope and wood bridge across the ravine and the rushing River Florine below. She nodded.

“Good girl. Make for the bridge, and cross it. Do you remember the empty farm down the road? Find a place to hide there—and do not come out, do not let yourself be seen by anyone except someone you recognize. Not even if they say they’re a friend. Wait for the court—they will find you.” She was shaking again. But Marion gripped her shoulders. “I am going to buy you what time I can, Aelin. No matter what you hear, no matter what you see, don’t look back, and don’t stop until you find a place to hide.” She shook her head, silent tears finding their way out at last. The front door groaned—a quick movement.

Lady Marion reached for the dagger in her boot. It glinted in the dim light.

“When I say run, you run, Aelin. Do you understand?” She didn’t want to, not at all, but she nodded.

Lady Marion brushed a kiss to her brow. “Tell my Elide…” Her voice broke.

“Tell my Elide that I love her very much.”

.........

That.

That moment Lady Marion had chosen a desperate hope for her kingdom over herself, over her husband and the daughter who would wait and wait for a return that would never come.

..........

There was a scrape and crunch of shoes, then a small, smooth hand slid toward her. But it was not Chaol or Sam or Nehemia who lay across from her, watching her with those sad turquoise eyes.

Her cheek against the moss, the young princess she had been—Aelin Galathynius—reached a hand for her. “Get up,” she said softly.

Celaena shook her head.

Aelin strained for her, bridging that rift in the foundation of the world.

“Get up.” A promise—a promise for a better life, a better world.

The Valg princes paused.

She had wasted her life, wasted Marion’s sacrifice. Those slaves had been butchered because she had failed—because she had not been there in time.

“Get up,” someone said beyond the young princess. Sam. Sam, standing just beyond where she could see, smiling faintly.

“Get up,” said another voice—a woman’s. Nehemia.

“Get up.” Two voices together—her mother and father, faces grave but eyes bright. Her uncle was beside them, the crown of Terrasen on his silver hair. “Get up,” he told her gently.

One by one, like shadows emerging from the mist, they appeared. The faces of the people she had loved with her heart of wildfire.

And then there was Lady Marion, smiling beside her husband. “Get up,” she whispered, her voice full of that hope for the world, and for the daughter she would never seen again.

#i love lady marion so muchhh #Elide's mother is wonderful i love her #aelin galathynius #nehemia you will always be in my heart.... forever #nehemia ytger #sam cortland #rhoe and evalin galathynius #orlon galathynius #lord and lady of perranth #throne of glass series #ana reading heir of fire #heir of fire #terrasen #sarah j mass

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