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yabai-korra · 3 years

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The reasons why we're getting Manorian book

There has been a lot of speculation whether SJM is going to favor us with book/novella about Manon Blackbeak and Dorian Havilliard, recently I saw some fans doubting it, so here's a list of logical reasons why it's happening.

1. It's SJM

This woman writes two 500+ pages books per year, for her it would be a piece of cake.

2. There have already been books focused on side characters

a) Chaol and Yrene - Chaol was one of the most unpopular characters before Tower of Dawn (which made me love him hehe) and she still wrote a 600+ pages long book about him, just imagine what she'd do with the most popular character (Manon) and one of the most popular ones (Dorian).

b) Nesta and Cassian - this is ship is the closest to Manorian equivalent in ACOTAR series, aka starting from a physical relationship that develops into a sentimental one. Also 6th ACOTAR book will be focused on a new characters (most probably Elain)

3. Favoritism

SJM has talked multiple times about her love for these two. When asked about her favorite TOG character, she said Aelin, but Manon was a close second place and she said that she absolutely loves writing her.

In another interview, when asked who she would go on a book tour with and a few similar questions, she answered Dorian.

Now, I haven't seen all of her interviews ever and I'm not sure how much she loves Nessian and Cahorene (seems to love Nessian a hella lot tho), but it's definite that Manorian are some of her favorite characters and it's just logical that she would write about them.

4. Unfinished story/Unresolved feelings

Ships at the end of TOG:

Rowaelin - married

Elorcan - engaged

Lysaedion - engaged

Chaorene - married with a baby on the way

Nestaq - engaged

Manorian - hug and "we'll see"

All the ships basically got engaged in the last chapter (it's not like I didn't like it hehe) and their stories, romantic-wise, were pretty much finished and they have no unresolved tension between them. Manorian on the other hand, have enough of it for all the ships lol.

KOA spoilers ahead!

Keep in mind, Manorian relationship was mostly a sexual one, and they don't quite yet have a way of communicating their feelings properly. So there is a lot of unaddressed between them, even though they obviously care a lot about each other.

The unresolved things between Manon and Dorian:

"“And if I asked you to stay?” / “I’d need a very convincing reason, I suppose.” / “Because I don’t want you to go.” - they just fucked and Dorian left for Morath later, which impacted Manon a lot but they haven't discussed it

"I even care about you." - Manon got up and left

"There is only one witch who will be my queen." - Manon doesn't know about this

Manon saved Dorian from Valg demon even when Aelin couldn't. It was the worst thing to happen to Dorian and he still bears scars from it, yet he didn't have an appropriate situation to thank Manon for it

Dorian knows that Erawan lusted after Manon, which got him pissed of course, and he didn't have a chance nor time to ask Manon about it. It might be nothing, but if I were Dorain and my girlfriend who doesn't show feelings was locked up with a crazy guy who has a thing for her, and have seen the way he treats women, I'd be concerned. Erawan was a Valg king, a tough opponent even for Manon. If he had done something to her, and he had plenty of means and opportunities and wish to do so, Manon would never openly tell anyone (maybe Asterin) about it, because it would imply opening up and being weak, which is Manon's worst fear. Again, SJM, as the Queen of Foreshadowing, wouldn't just randomly throw in the main villain having a thing for an important character, everything in her books always has a meaning and purpose.

"Would you miss me if I didn't [come back]?" - Manon didn't reply

This is how SJM described Manorian marriage: "She would be his wife, his queen. She was already his equal, his match, mirror in so many ways. And with their union, the world would know it." - and you're telling me it's not deserving of its own book? Not just that, Manon asked Dorian for marriage and they, again, just had sex, with Dorian loving the idea but deep down knowing that Manon would feel caged in a marriage. And that attitude won't just change out of the blue. It takes time and development which is something SJM writes amazingly.

With the Thirteen gone, beside Abraxos Dorian is the only creature Manon cares about.

Dorian's mortality (although as you'll see in point #6 I'm sure he's not human)

The dreaded "You could just marry each other." / "We'll see." (Thanks Yrene :)

5. Foreshadowing

Listen here, SJM IS THE QUEEN OF FORESHADOWING. She thought of a detail (Dorian's dad's name) in the first book that would matter in the last book. Of course, there are many many many more examples of that, but if we got "We'll see." then we'll fucking see it happen.

6. Unresolved things about Manon and Dorian as individual characters.

Manon and Dorian and both pretty broken at the end of KOA.

Manon lost the Thirteen, the only people she cared about. That is a huge trauma that needs to be addressed, especially with someone so reluctant to show feelings and heal like Manon.

Dorian can't be human?? He has fae abilities due to his relation to Gavin and Elena even though he's not even called a demi-fae. He possesses powers no one else does, phantom hands for example, which he didn't steal like shape-shifting. And Maeve pointed out that due to his father being possessed by Valg when Dorian was sired, it's possible he got some of the Valg abilities. (Also she said that he's stronger than Aelin) The main villain, especially written by Queen of Foreshadowing, wouldn't just let drop it there and that's it. Also not to mention Dorian's own struggle with depression and self-worth.

They have both just become rulers of their kingdoms, completely new to it. Dorian has spent a big part of KOA imagining what kind of a king he wants to be (one that will have a witch queen hehe) and it was a major point of his character. And addition to that affecting them as characters, the future of Adarlan and Witch Kingdom could make a good plotline.

7. Other TOG characters

Although pretty much all the readers would die to see Chaorene baby, Lorcan in Perranth, Aelin and Rowan ruling Terrasen, Lysandra and Adeion officially adopting Evangeline, Nesryn and Sartaq becoming Khagan and Empress of Antica, all of these don't make enough of a plot on its own. They are great side-plots.

We know all of these characters love each other and are happy together, there isn't that much to be added to their personal stories other than kids. (same way Feyre and Rhys got a baby in Nessian book) Manorian however, they haven't even kissed without it leading to sex, they hugged at the end of KOA and it was the pique of their relationship. Their relationship is merely at the beginning, whereas others have pretty much reached their ultimatum (ofc SJM can decide to add some drama with betrayal, kidnapping, pregnancy etc. but for now everyone is good and settled beside Manorian)

Not to mention the way other relationships would affect them. Chaol, Dorian's brother, and Yrene, Manon's wannabe bestie and Manorian shipper, would bring their baby to meet his/her uncle Dorian and aunt Manon, and imagine Manon with a baby lol.

SJM loves Aelin and other characters way too much not to give us an insight on them as married couples, but since her books are huge and it's her, it needs a plot with drama, addressing traumas, repressed feelings, worldbuilding, and sex, and Manorian's got all of that.

8. Abraxos

We need more Abraxos, that's just a fact.

Wow that was a long one. Anyways, in conclusion, we're getting that Manorian book. Pretty sure it's gonna a book rather than a novella (TOD was also planned as a novella but then guess what) because there is just SO MUCH possible content.

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ladybookstan · 2 years

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Location: North-Eastern Erilea

Rulers: [House Galathynius] Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius (rightful queen) Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius (king consort)

Royalty: Aedion Ashryver (Queen's cousin)

Aelin's Court: Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius, Aedion Ashryver, Lysandra Ennar, Elide and Lorcan Lochan, Fenrys Moonbeam, Ren Allsbrook.

Places: Orynth, Perranth, Suria, Illium, Allsbrook, Caraverre, The Magic School Devellin, Theralis, Oakwald Forest, Rosamel, Eldrys.

The Lords of Terrasen: Elide and Lorcan Lochan, Lysandra Ennar, Sol and Ravi of Suria, Ren Allsbrook.

Location: Eastern Erilea

Ruler: [House Havilliard] Dorian Havilliard II (rightful king)

Places: Rifthold, Meah, Anielle, Morath and White Fang Mountains.

The Lords of Adarlan: Chaol and Yrene Westfall Lords of Anielle (more important)

Location: South of Erilea

Ruler: [The khaganate] Urus (current Khagan)

Future Khagan and future Grand Empress of the Southern Continent: Sartaq and Nesryn Faliq.

Places: Antica, Torre Cesme, Aksara Oasis, Tigana, Balruhn, the Northern Desert, the Ombric Isles, the Kyzultum Desert, the Ruby Isles, the Asmil Mountains, the Tavan Mountains, and the Dagul Fells.

Royalty: Arghun, Sartaq, Hasar, Kashin, Duva, Grand Empress, Renia.

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mssweatherweather · 5 years

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ToG-Characters: Then&Now

Aelin Ashryver Galathynius

Adarlan's Assassin -> QUEEN OF TERRASEN

Dorian Havilliard

Crown Prince of Adarlan -> BADASS KING WITH MAGIC!!!

Chaol Westfall

Captain of the Guard -> Right Hand to the King of Adarlan & Ambassador of Terrasen!!

Rowan Whitethorn

Prince of Doranelle -> King of Terrasen

Aedion Ashryver

Adarlan's Whore -> General-prince of Terrasen!

Lysandra Ennar

A prostetute -> Lady of Carravere

Fenrys Moonbeam

Maeve's bitch -> Messager & Ambassador of Terrasen

Lorcan Salvaterre

Commander of the Cadre -> Lord of Perranth

Elide Lochan

"Weak girl","cripple" -> badass Lady of Perranth

Manon Blackbeak

Wingleader -> Queen of Crochans!(maybe Adarlan too)

Nesryn Faliq

City Guard -> EMPRESS OF ANTICA!!

Yrene Towers

Bartender with a dream -> Greatest healer alive, Lady of Anielle

Nox Owen

Thief -> Military Messager of Terrasen

Rolfe

Pirate Lord -> Heir to Mycenaeans

Ren Allsbrook

Hopeless rebel -> Lord of Allsbrook

And a tribute to the fallen ones:

Gavriel, the Thirteen, Sam Cortland, Nehemia Ytger, Sorscha, Connall Moonbeam, Kaltain Rompier, Elena, Roland Havilliard, Wesley, [not you, Arobynn], Ress, Brullo, even to the King of Adarlan

#throne of glass #kingdom of ash #aelin ashryver #queen aelin #rowan whitethorn #rowaelin #aedion ashryver #lysandra #lorcan salvaterre #elide lochan #dorian havilliard #chaol westfall #manon blackbeak #sarah j. maas #sartag x nesryn #sam cortland #fenrys moonbeam #fenrys

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creampuffqueen · 4 years

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Worlds of Fire and Darkness | Chapter Twelve (Folas)

Hey everyone! It’s been a hot second since I’ve posted to this story, but here it is! Read on Ao3 (Here)

Folas, Lyria, and the new guests from the Southern Continent take a tour around Orynth.

“Dalias, if you don’t stop fidgeting, I’m going to kick your ass as soon as this is over.” Hissing at my fifteen-year-old brother wasn’t really an everyday occurance- Dalias was often calm and quiet enough to not need my reprimanding. However, I could see his blood starting to boil with his awful temper. Hell, if he didn’t reign in his temper I would kick his ass again.

Waiting for the entourage from the Southern Continent was mind-numbing. My only consolation was the princess standing a few feet away, dressed in a lovely silky green. Her hair was loose, with a coronet braid around her head adorned with a silver tiara. I couldn’t see from where I was standing, but I was nearly positive she had emeralds inlaid in all of her jewelry.

The royal family was front and center, as always. The Ashryvers were on their right, with Asceline standing regally next to her father. My mother, Lady of Perranth, stood to the left of young Aerith. Evalin and Lyria stood in a line to the side of their mother, and I knew the male children stood in a similar formation to their father.

It was all very formal, for a group of people we really were supposed to be friends with.

I hadn’t seen the Southern Continent royal family in years, as they didn’t often come to the Peace Ball. Getting all the way to Terrasen took the better part of a year, and so they made the journey sparingly. And, after Empress Nesryn became pregnant again, she and her family hadn’t come since.

Which meant I hadn’t seen these people since I was Dalias’s age- or really, I would have been more around fourteen. However old I was, it had been a long time.

Spring scents floated through the air, wind ruffling my hair. Looking a bit to the side, I could see Lyria’s skirts fluttering as the breeze drifted around the group. I kept my gaze at her feet, not letting my eyes wander further up.

A nudge came from my side, and I glanced over to look at Sabron. Taller than me by barely an inch, (though what an infuriating inch it was) he looked down at me and gestured slightly to Lyria.

I turned my head away so he couldn’t see the blush I felt creeping up my cheeks. And so I didn’t have to look at his stupid smirk.

Sabron let out a low snicker, and I reached right under his shirt sleeve and pinched him. He hissed back, but before he could retaliate I whipped my head forward, peering frantically into the distance for what I could hear coming.

Nearly a minute passed, and I had started to believe my Fae senses had failed me. Sabron was shifting from foot to foot, ready to get back at me. But then-

A giant, soaring bird flew towards the palace, the sun catching on it’s golden wings. A ruk.

And atop the ruk, a rider sat. The bird swerved and swooped lower, letting out a loud call. Nearly two dozen more ruks flew into view.

The entourage from the Southern Continent had arrived in all their glory. The telltale clopping of horse hooves on pavement was soon loud enough for all to hear. Excitement rippled through the gathered people, with shifting and whispers filling the castle grounds.

The horses drew near, the people donned in shining armor and bearing flags and banners. The cavalry stopped in a perfectly straight line, and moments later the ruks landed in perfect unison, placed in front of the horses in the gaps between them. I had to admit, the precision was incredibly admirable. I wondered if I could ever get my own horse to stand that still.

Aelin, Rowan, and Lyria stepped forward first. Aelin’s arms were extended warmly, Lyria kept a gentle smile on her face, and even Rowan was standing less ramrod-straight than usual. They were greeting their friends.

“Princes and Princesses of Antica. Welcome to Orynth.” The two ruk riders in the lead dismounted, and I was able to glimpse their faces better. Nesryn and Sartaq, the future rulers of the arguably most powerful country in the world. They were smiling.

“Aelin, Rowan.” Nesryn grinned. She embraced Aelin, and even gave Rowan a pat on the back. Sartaq did the same.

Nesryn’s gaze landed on Lyria, and her smile broadened. “And Lyria! You’ve grown so much, look at you!” The princess dipped her head with a smile.

“People of Orynth,” Sartaq boomed. “And all the people of other countries, I present my children.”

Several people dismounted horses and ruks, and two small figures hopped out of the golden carriage. Lined up together, the heirs to the mighty Khaganate.

“Prince Kasem.” The young man bowed, his long hair fluttering slightly in the springtime breeze.

“Princess Dara.” The girl who bowed next looked to be about the age of Caeda or Dalias. Her hair was tied in a long braid that snaked down her back, and I could see the cunning in her dark eyes.

“Princess Dhyana.” This girl was much younger than the two others, with her hair chopped at the collarbone like her mother. She smiled broadly and bowed, and her little cherub cheeks reminded me of my own sister.

“Prince Ronin.” While I knew the boy was hardly a year younger than Dhyana, he was skinny and small, making him look so much younger. His black hair fell in front of his eyes as he bowed, and he made no move to brush it off.

“And Princess Akira.” This was the youngest of Sartaq and Nesryn’s children, a little girl about Marion’s age. She bowed dramatically, her little braid falling over her shoulder. She blew a kiss to the gathered people, producing a lot of giggles. Then she bounced over to her siblings, taking Ronin’s hand.

The rest of the Khaganate royals were introduced, and excuses for those who couldn’t come were made. Prince Arghun would be staying in Antica, and Prince Kashin was staying in the steppes with his wife and their young son. I didn't particularly mind, since I’d met Arghun before and the man certainly rubbed me the wrong way.

And finally, finally, Aelin and Rowan turned and gestured to the palace. “Let us all go to the drawing room. We have a lot to catch up on.”

The people dissolved from their family groups, and soon we all converged on the palace doors in a giant blob; a giant blob of smiling, laughing people.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw stablehands taking away horses and ruks. But something more interesting caught my eye instead.

Lyria and Asceline, elbows linked, were walking into the palace, heads bent low as they giggled back and forth. Seeing my chance, I quickly ducked through the crowd to reach them.

I came behind Asceline and threaded my arm through hers. When she flinched, as expected, I squealed and pitched my voice.

“Ooooh, are we having girl talk? Can I join?”

Asceline rolled her eyes and sighed. “Shove off, prick.” She said, though there was no real bite to the words.

“I know, right? He was sooooo hot.”

“Are you even hearing yourself? How stupid you sound?”

Lyria snickered on Asceline’s other side. “This is interesting. Who was hot? I think I need to see.”

“Oh please, Lyr, don’t encourage him!” Asceline wailed, though she didn’t let go of my elbow.

We traveled through the palace and to the drawing room, Asceline teasing me mercilessly. I detangled myself from the two princesses, making a mock bow as I did so.

“Say what you want, Asceline dear.” I purred. “But don’t look now, because Leo is watching.”

I watched, victorious, as Asceline’s entire face turned red. She glanced behind herself quickly, then whipped her head back to face me with a snarl.

“You are a prick! He’s not even there!”

“Why do you care? Do you like him?” I asked with a devious smirk.

“I’m leaving. I hope your brothers throw you in a rotting vegetable patch full of dog shit.”

“Oh, how you wound me.” I fake-moaned. She rolled her turquoise eyes and stalked off, looking a bit more like a wolf than a girl. I turned back to face Lyria.

The crown princess was shaking her head slowly, clearly amused. “I’d watch my back if I were you. She’ll be out for revenge by sundown.”

“I’ll take my chances.” I shrugged. “At least we’re alone now.”

“Why do you want to be alone?” The world narrowed at that moment, my vision tunneling, focusing in on Lyria and the way she was swaying gently, golden hair shimmering, green eyes piercing.

“Does anybody ever tell you how beautiful you are?” I whispered, hardly even realizing the words that had just come out of my mouth.

Lyria laughed softly. “Yeah. But I know it anyway.”

She stepped closer, touching her hand gently to mine. I felt my own blush rising up my cheeks, heat sparking from where her fingers slipped into my own.

“When did this happen, Folas?” She murmured. “When did we get all grown up?”

“I don’t know. It still feels like yesterday you were chasing me around the castle grounds and sneaking into my bedroom to eat chocolate.”

Lyria put her other hand in mine, and a shudder worked its way up my spine, warmth from her hands driving out the lingering cold of spring. Could we stay like this forever?

Her green eyes drew me in, like a never-ending evergreen forest, sparking deep into my heart. How did I get lucky enough for this?

I felt her drawing closer, tilting her head up to mine. I leaned for her, the rest of the world fading away as I did. I removed my hand from hers, taking it instead to her chin, cradling it, tilting her lips toward mine, and-

“ Princess Lyria!”

We sprang apart, nearly throwing each other across the room. I stumbled over my feet, barely regaining my balance in time to stop Lyria from tripping over her dress.

Prince Kasem stood before us, looking mighty pleased with himself. I resisted the urge to snarl at him, deciding that was not the kind of hospitality I was supposed to show to guests.

“Oh dear, was I interrupting something?” He asked. From the look on his face, I knew that he knew damn well he was interrupting. Not able to snarl, I instead just glared.

“No, not at all.” Lyria assured him, twisting her hands in the fabric of her dress. Noticing the little tic, she removed them, instead keeping her hands firmly at her sides.

“Yes, well,” Kasem continued, “I understand that our parents want us to rest after our journey, but since it is only the morning, I was wondering if we might venture into the city?”

“Us… the two of us?” Lyria squeaked.

“No, no, princess.” He said emphatically. “Me, you, and anyone else who wants to come. My sister Dara wants to see the city, as do my cousins. Perhaps some of your friends would like to come as well.”

“Of course. I would be delighted to show you around my city.” Now a genuine smile came across her features, and the little thing had my heart damn near stopping.

“When will we go?” Kasem asked.

“Whenever you want.” Lyria replied. “I’ll ask some of my friends first, and then we can meet back… at the front courtyard, in about half an hour?”

Kasem bowed again, and walked off, likely to gather his family. The young man’s short braid swayed with his steps, reminding me of a snake. I threw the thought aside, however, when Lyria turned back to me.

“You’re coming with us.” Her tone of voice left no place for argument, and I just nodded. She took my hand and dragged me along, setting a quick pace as she searched for her friends.

It didn’t escape me, though, that she was holding my hand.

“What are you doing?” I asked. I gave her hand a little squeeze, just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming it. She squeezed mine back.

“Well, you were going to kiss me, so I think it’s only appropriate.” She said, the tips of her pointed ears still pink. She glanced at me as we walked, then quickly shifted her gaze away again.

“I mean, you do have a point.” I stopped her for a moment, pulling her close. “But we did get interrupted, and I just don’t think that’s right.”

I tilted her head up again, lowering my own face to give her a proper kiss, but she sidestepped out of my grasp.

“Not here.” She hissed. “Sam is watching us, and he’s looking particularly violent.”

“I’m not scared of your little brother. Besides, I like you, Lyria. And I don’t care who knows or sees it.”

“That’s a declaration.” She breathed. “Didn’t this happen like… ten minutes ago?”

“You know as well as I do that whatever this is has been going on for longer.” I said.

Lyria’s eyes widened, and her lips parted slightly. I couldn’t keep my gaze off them.

“Kiss me later, Folas.” She whispered. “Kiss me all you want, but later, in a place where my parents aren’t present.”

She had a point. Her words had me glance around quickly, making sure that Rowan and Aelin weren’t anywhere near. I had grown up with them, and they were like family, but I really didn’t want to see just how protective they would get over their daughter.

I settled for holding her hand instead, and Lyria went back to dragging me through the drawing room, searching for her friends.

We found the witches first, the three of them miraculously together. From the look of Nysa’s face, she was incredibly unhappy about the whole situation. Caeda stood nearby, and she clung to him; a rock from which she could glare at her sister to her heart’s content.

“I’m going to be giving the Southern Continent royalty a tour of the city in a bit.” Lyria told them. “Would you like to come?”

“Oh, thank the gods.” Kerrigan sighed. “I’m so sick of socializing with people. Count me in.”

“Me too.” Nysa piped up. Caeda said nothing, but we all knew he would follow Nysa wherever she went.

“Good. Front courtyard in half an hour. I’ll meet you there.” The witches nodded, then went back to glaring at everyone who passed.

We made our way through the drawing room, until we’d gathered a sizable group to head out into the city. It included all of my brothers, Asceline, the Allsbrooks, Teagan of Briarcliff, Miran Owen, Sam, Aspen, Rygan, and Giselle. When Lyria asked Amelie, she decided to remain at the palace.

The half hour was nearly up, and the drawing room had noticeably less people in it. We were about to leave as well, still hand in hand, when a golden female stepped in front of us.

“Where do you two think you’re going?” Queen Aelin asked, eyeing our clasped hands. Lyria blinked up at her mother.

“We’re going into the city with the Khaganate royals. They wanted to look around.”

She still looked suspicious, but the queen stepped aside and let us go. “Please be back before dinner.”

We walked out of the drawing room and hurried to the front courtyard, only stopping when we found Fleetfoot napping on a plush couch in the hallway. My own family’s dog, Noir, was curled up beneath the couch, his black fur nearly causing me to miss him. But with a sharp whistle, both dogs bounded after us.

The sheer amount of people gathered in the front courtyard was nearly overwhelming. Thankfully, the royals from Antica had left the youngest members behind as we did, meaning only teenagers and adults would be making their way into the city.

Lyria clapped her hands, the sound echoing across the yard. All eyes turned to her, and consequently, me. The sight of so many eyes on me made me break out into a cold sweat.

“I welcome all of our friends from the Southern Continent.” Lyria said, ever the diplomat. “And I am excited to show you all around the city of Orynth.”

With the amount of royals leaving the palace, several guards accompanied us, despite Lyria’s protests. The dogs dashed around, nipping at each others’ ears and sniffing everybody’s clothes. And off we went, a group of twenty-four young adults, let loose in a great big city.

~~~~

“This is my favorite sweet shop.” Lyria said, producing several gold pieces seemingly out of nowhere. She ordered, insisting the woman manning the till to keep the change.

A few minutes later, a massive box of chocolate was passed around our group, while Lyria invited everyone to take a piece.

I wasn’t usually one for chocolate, but the little truffle was filled with caramel and sprinkled with sea salt, and even I couldn’t resist.

Lyria sneakily grabbed the last chocolate from the box, green eyes filled with mischief. Before I could ask if she was going to share, she grabbed my hand and whisked us both away.

She dragged me into an alley, giggling hysterically. We were close enough to the others that I could still hear them, but I wasn’t focused on them. Instead, my focus was entirely taken by the princess in front of me, golden and sparkling in the sunlight.

I wondered if she knew just how much she took my breath away. How every time she moved, every time she spoke, I fell a little bit deeper in love with her.

Lyria held up the chocolate truffle, waving it in front of my nose. I reached out, and she popped it into my mouth. It was too delicious for me to even complain about her feeding me like a baby.

I chewed through the sticky caramel, trying very hard to focus on not choking, instead of how my entire body felt like it was on fire from her touch.

The alley was so narrow that we were pressed against each other, and I could feel the muscle of her legs through the fabric of her dress. She put her hands on my shoulders and looked up thoughtfully at me, and I thought I might combust right then and there.

When she kissed me, I melted into her embrace, and pulled her closer. Every part of me sang from the contact, coming alive from her gentle touch.

The kiss was quick, and when she pulled away, I noticed she had chocolate staining her lips. Before she could say anything, I tugged her back to me and kissed her.

I heard her soft gasp, and then felt her hands gripping my shirt, kissing me harder. My hands tangled in her hair, still in a complicated updo, and her whole body went soft.

She tilted her head back, giving me better access, and I groaned into her open mouth. The kisses turned ravenous, as if were burning up, seeing whose flame could consume the other’s first.

Lyria’s lips trailed from my own, drifting down my chin and up my jaw, and everything in me turned to putty as I let her have her way.

Her pointed canines nipped at my neck, and I moaned into her shoulder. At the sound, she pulled away sharply, breathing hard.

“Not here.” She breathed.

“Yeah.” I agreed. “I don’t think an alleyway with our friends five feet away is a very romantic spot for the first time.”

Her eyes were blown wide, and her puckered lips were swollen. She still had a trace of chocolate in the corner of her mouth. I reached up to wipe it away, her gaze never leaving mine.

“You’ve got something on your neck.” She giggled. She licked a finger and wiped it away, bringing what had to be chocolate up to my nose.

“You smeared chocolate all over me, didn’t you.” I sighed. Lyria snickered, confirming my suspicions.

“It’s okay. I’ll get it off.” She leaned closer, sucking the candy off her finger as she did so.

Lyria kissed my neck again, sucking at the chocolate in a way that made me gasp. She continued down my throat, and I shuddered beneath her touch, burning, burning.

When she pulled away, licking her lips for last traces of chocolate, I very nearly pulled her back down again, answering my body’s call of more, more, more.

But she giggled, and granted me with one last quick peck, before she pushed herself out of my arms and walked off to rejoin the group. I sat there, stunned, trying to process what had just happened.

I got off the wall, trying to remember how to walk. My legs wobbled like jelly, and I struggled to hold myself upright. What kind of magic did she possess that could render me so helpless?

I found a nearby fountain and splashed my face with cold water, hoping to erase the sweat and the scent from what had just happened. I wiped myself off with my shirt sleeve, then turned around and nearly slammed into Asceline.

“Have fun?” She purred, her Ashryver eyes glowing.

“No clue what you mean.” I sputtered, trying to break away from her and rejoin the group. She just laughed in my face.

“I saw you two disappear into an alleyway, and then Lyria comes out practically glowing, and you appear wobbling like a newborn fawn, with some… male issues that are very apparent. Have you two got any secret rendezvous for tonight, perhaps?”

“Not that I would tell you.” I snapped, splashing more water in hopes to calm myself down.

The shifter just sighed and rolled her eyes, before flouncing off with the others. I waited until my body was cool, then hurried after her.

Lyria was at the front of the group, as if she’d never left. Her hair was mussed and her dress was wrinkled, but her green eyes were vibrant in the sun. My gaze followed her like a magnet, never once leaving hers.

I hung back as we travelled through the city, supervising the dogs. I was afraid if I got too close I’d have to drag Lyria to another alleyway and kiss her until I couldn’t anymore. She was like an intoxicating drug, glorious and addicting.

A group of children raced through the group, making a beeline for the dogs. I worried they’d scare them, but Fleetfoot allowed them to pet her, as did Noir. The kids soon scattered, but one, a little girl, dashed up to Lyria.

“Princess!” She called. “Princess Lyria!”

“Hello,” Lyria said kindly. “May I help you?”

The girl peered up at the princess with wide eyes, as if she was amazed she was actually talking to her. She stood, gaping for a moment, before she collected herself and reached up to whisper into Lyria’s ear.

She looked thoughtful for a moment, before she twisted her hands and made a small flame. The girl squealed with delight, but then Lyria took it a step further.

The flame transformed into a wyvern, breathing fire over her palms. The fire must have been cool to the touch, because the shaped fire flickered to the little girl’s hands. She stared, wide-eyed, as the wyvern flapped over her hands, before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

The girl threw herself at Lyria, hugging her tightly for a moment before running off again, giggling with happiness. I met Lyria’s eyes, and saw the pride there, the joy.

It wasn’t long before more children appeared, requesting various shapes in fire. Even some of our own group participated, and Lyria granted them all. Smoke puffed up from hands all around, and squeals of laughter filled the small square.

I made my way up to the princess, pushing through the crowds to do so. Fleetfoot and Noir stayed at my heels, helping to part the group of people. She smiled warmly at my approach, holding out a hand which I gladly took.

“What shape do you want, Folas?”

I turned slightly, whispering into her pointed ear, “Any shape you choose. But only if you let me come to your room tonight.”

She blushed fiercely, but didn’t whisper back. Instead, she produced a fiery heart, and let it float into my hands before it dissolved into a cloud of smoke. She gave me a secretive smile, and turned to the next person.

~~~~

“I think something’s wrong with Fleetfoot.” Aelin said, concern lacing her voice. “Rowan, come look at her.”

I picked my head up from where I’d been sitting with Lyria, dutifully keeping my hands to myself. The golden dog was lying beside Aelin, looking perfectly fine to me, if not a little round in the stomach.

Lyria took my hand as she listened in, and it took all my strength to keep listening to her parents rather than turn my attention to her. But I looked forward, keeping my eyes on the dog.

“She hasn’t eaten anything this evening. Lyria, did you feed her out in the city?”

“No, not that I’m aware of. She might have gotten into something while we weren’t watching, though.” She said.

“I was watching her the entire time.” I added. “Or… like, almost all the time. But when I was watching, she didn’t eat anything.”

Rowan stroked Fleetfoot’s fur, and felt her stomach. His brow knitted suddenly, and Lyria squeezed my hand from beside me.

“Aelin, feel her stomach. It’s… sort of hard.” His mate did as he said, and her expression became more confused.

“Did she swallow rocks? Or something else that’s tough?” I stood from the couch, gathering closer, Lyria still gripping my hand. Fleetfoot dozed on, not particularly paying attention to us.

Asceline appeared, likely seeing the commotion around a dog. She peered over my shoulder, then shoved between me and Lyria to feel Fleetfoot’s belly.

“That’s not rocks, Aunt.” She said, looking more serious than I’d ever seen her. “Those are puppies. Fleetfoot is pregnant.”

“No way.” Aelin said incredulously. “She’s so old, and there are no male dogs around-”

She turned her gaze to me, and suddenly I felt like I was being burned alive.

“Except your dog.”

“Noir isn’t mine,” I protested, “He’s my parents’. Besides, I don’t control him.”

Aelin just sighed. “You know what, it’s nobody’s fault. But tell your father that if my dog gets hurt or sick because of these puppies, I will skin that dog.”

“No, she won’t.” Rowan sighed. “Fireheart, you and I both know you won’t hurt a dog. She’ll just be very angry and probably yell at him a lot.”

“I think Noir can handle that.” I said. I turned my gaze towards Fleetfoot. “What will you guys do with the puppies?”

“I’m not sure. I mean, we just found out about this.” Aelin groaned. “The Peace Ball in three days, as if that wasn’t enough work. Now my dog is pregnant.”

“Not very pregnant.” Asceline added helpfully. “Probably not even a month along. You’ve still got a month to go.”

Lyria had been silent the entire time, holding my hand like a vice. Now she stood up, throwing a lame excuse to her parents, before dragging me out of the room.

She clipped silently down the hallway, saying nothing. I recognized the wing of the castle as the area her rooms were, and I finally pulled her to a halt.

“Lyria, what’s wrong?”

“I’m fine.” She snapped. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Then why did you take me here?” I asked. “I want to help you, Lyria. What’s going on?”

“I thought you wanted to come to my room.” She said. “Like, for a romantic endeavour or something of the sort. I thought you wanted to come and make love to me all night.”

“I-” I sputtered for words. What was going on? We’d been doing so well just minutes before, but now?

“Lyria, I do, I really do, but you’re not in the right headspace and I want to help you.”

“Headspace? I’m not in the right headspace?” She shrieked. She ripped her hand from mine with a scowl, and suddenly she was walking away, taking her golden beauty with her.

And I was alone in the dark hallway of Orynth Palace.

#throne of glass #tog #sarah j maas #tog gen 2 #gen 2 #rowaelin #elorcan #lysaedion #manorian #chaorene #nestaq #fanfic

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reign-of-dreamers · 5 years

Text

Khaganate Family

Grand Empress Nesryn

Khagan Sartaq

Prince Raanan

Princess Sana

Prince Khalil

Antica's Ruling Family

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battlestar-royco · 5 years

Note

I'm actually surprised that SJM ended making Nesryn an empress because, to my aknowcledge, being an empress is on a higher level than being a queen, so Aelin it's kinda below her. Surprinsingly. Unless, ofc, SJM has done a system in her world where the queen of Terrasen it's just the true ruler of all earth known or something and empress is simply a title-word.

Yeah that surprises me too tbh, but at the same time I’m like of coooooooourse SJ/M would make Nesrin into a royal. I have no doubt in my mind that if she didn’t have Nesrin end up with a literal emperor’s heir, Nesrin would have been just a lady, but alas it was unavoidable. At this point the titles of nobility and royalty are just meaningless because everyone is some sort of queen or prince or lord or emperor. In the immortal words of Syndrome from The Incredibles, “When everyone’s super, no one will be.” Swap out “super” with “royal/noble” and you get the same effect for the T0G series. SJ/M just throws out all these titles like it’s nothing. Like? Look at everyone in the main cast of T0G by the last book:

Queen Alien of T.errasen

King Rowboat of T.errasen; Prince of D0ranelle

Lord Kale of A.nielle

Lady Irene of A.nielle

King Dorito of A.darlan

C.rochan Queen Man0n

Lady Lis of C.araverre

General/Prince A.edion

Lady E.lide of P.erranth

Lord L.orcan of P.erranth

Queen A.nsel of the Wastes

Emperor Sartak of Antica? the Southern Continent? IDFK.

Empress Nesrin

That’s just… so much. What’s wrong with common folk, SJ/M? WHAT’S WRONG WITH THEM?!

#oh yes... classism of course #anti sjm #anti koa #anti tog #and why yes i do have the vast majority of the incredibles screenplay memorized

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emjenenla · 5 years

Text

A Better World [A Throne of Glass Fanfic

Nesryn, Sartaq, Hasar and Kashin try to get some sleep after Erawan and Maeve are defeated. Everyone is overtired and a little loopy.

Warnings: None :)

I don't own Throne of Glass. The title is the "for a better world" motif that's so prevalent in Kingdom of Ash.

“I’m commandeering your floor,” Hasar announced, swinging the door open and allowing light from the corridor to stream into the room.

Jerked rudely from sleep, Nesryn squinted against the light. She was curled up against Sartaq, her forehead pressed against the back of neck and her arm thrown over his waist. The bed they were sharing was so narrow that her back was pressed against the stone wall and Sartaq would probably fall off if he rolled over.

Across the room on the other narrow bed, Kashin shifted and groaned. “What the hell, Hasar?”

“Arban snores,” Hasar said dropping a heavy bundle on the floor. “I’m going to sleep in here with you.”

The royal palace of Orynth was full of soldiers and civilians which made it hard to find a place to sleep. Eventually, Sartaq and Hasar had managed to find a few empty rooms originally intended for lower ranking officers in the army for them and their officers. Nesryn had volunteered to share a bed with Sartaq so someone else could have a bed to sleep in. Hasar had ended up sharing another room with Arban, a high-ranking officer, which apparently hadn’t gone well.

“You’d think you’d be tired enough not to care how loud she snores,” Sartaq said, his voice heavy with sleep. The fact that he’d been asleep at all was a testament to how exhausted he was. Sartaq liked to be warm when he slept and found the weight of blankets soothing. Under normal circumstances he never would have been able to sleep this heavily with only the wool blanket currently covering them.

“The fact that it woke me should tell you how loud it was,” Hasar sniffed. “I’d like to see you try to sleep through it.”

Nesryn lifted herself up on her elbows, and saw that the bundle sitting at Hasar’s feet was a thin mattress, probably from the bed in the room she’d been sharing with Arban. “Did Arban notice you were gone?” she ventured. She’d mostly gotten used to speaking her mind around Sartaq and Kashin, but Hasar still intimidated her a little, even though she knew she needed to get over that if she was going to be empress.

Empress. She still couldn’t think about that without her stomach swooping in panic. Hopefully Sartaq’s father would live for a long time so she had plenty of time to get used to the idea before she actually had to do anything.

Hasar snorted. “She didn’t even twitch. I threw one of my boots at her and all she did was roll over.”

Sartaq snorted. “I would have paid to see that,” his voice was still a little blurry, but he seemed a more awake now.

Hasar grinned, she shoved Kashin’s legs aside and flopped down onto his bed, leaning back on her hands. The movement was familiar in a way that would have been unheard of when Nesryn had meant them. Duva’s Valg possession had changed things between the siblings, and they seemed to have come out of it united against the world instead of warring with each other. It probably helped that Sartaq had decided he wasn’t going to secure his position as khagan by killing or sterilizing them. Nesryn hadn’t been present for the conversation when the siblings had discussed that before they’d left Antica, but she knew it had eased a lot of tension between them.

When Hasar stayed sitting on the bed without moving, Kashin lifted his head a little and glared tiredly at her. “Are you going to actually spread your mattress out on the floor and sleep or are you just going to sit there?” he asked.

Hasar grinned. “Who knows?” she said. “Maybe I’ve decided to just sleep with you.”

“Please don’t,” Kashin said letting his head thump back onto the thin pillow.

“What?” Hasar’s smile was wicked. “Don’t want to cuddle with your big sister?”

“Of course not!” he said. “What if someone finds out? Think how humiliating that would be!”

Sartaq chuckled; Nesryn could feel the vibration of the sound where her chest pressed against his back. “Don’t look now, Hasar,” he said. “I think you’ve embarrassed him.”

“Oh, how cute,” Hasar cooed, with a big smile.

“I am done with you people,” Kashin grumbled rolling over to face the wall. “Get off my bed and go to sleep.”

“Someone’s turned into an old man,” Hasar joked.

There was a moment of silence then Hasarand Sartaq roared with laughter. Kashin growled and pulled his blanket over his head, grumbling under his breath.

When they had all calmed down, Hasar slid off the bed and unrolled her mattress on the floor between the two beds. She lay down on her stomach and groaned. “Ah, sleeping on a stone floor with only a thin mattress,” she said. “How wonderful.”

“I’m not taking pity on you,” Kashin grumbled. “When the supplies we left behind to get here in time arrive you can steal some of Sartaq’s fifty million blankets.”

“No one is putting my blankets on the floor,” Sartaq objected and Nesryn snorted with laughter.

“What?” Hasar asked raising an eyebrow.

“You three are arguing like my sister and I used to,” Nesryn said. “I’ve never seen you act like this before.”

“We’ll probably make much more sense once we’ve actually slept enough to think straight,” Sartaq said.

“Agreed,” Hasar nodded.

“Then maybe you should all go to sleep so we can all go back to making sense!” Kashin groaned without lifting his head from the blankets.

“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing,” Nesryn said. “Actually it’s kind of cute. I like seeing you all get along and act normal.”

Sartaq laughed again. “I’m glad you approve.”

“Yes, who knew this was what we were missing,” Hasar said, though her sarcasm wasn’t quite biting enough to suggest she was actually annoyed. “But, still Kashin is right; we should sleep. After all, tomorrow is the first day of a better world.”

Everyone grumbled in agreement and settled down, curling up under their respective blankets. For a few minutes everything was quiet, then Kashin said, “You know, I can’t decide if that ‘better world’ stuff is profound or just stupidly optimistic.”

Nesryn couldn’t help it, she buried her face against Sartaq’s back and practically sobbed with laughter.

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darling-cas · 6 years

Text

All Is Well: Nestaq

TOG/ACOTAR Christmas Fic Co-written with @feysandsmut

Summary: A lot can happen on a snow-covered mountain. CANON.

Note: It was such an honour to get to finally work with Jay. I’ve loved this beauty since day one, when for some reason she fangirled over me following her???!!! I’m not that exciting, Jay! If anything, I was the one fangirling when you following me! But honestly, I’d write with you again in a heartbeat. Thank you so much for agreeing to do this. It means the world to me. Love you babe, XX

Warning: NSFW

All Is Well Masterlist

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Sartaq kept his gaze on the horizon. An orange glaze set across the sky as one thousand rukins flew above, from every aerie and hearth. It was an army to challenge Morath, with more to come, still rallying in Antica under Kashin’s command. At this point, Sartaq’s army had gotten so large that small groups of rukhin have split up from the main flank not once, but twice during their journey.

A crisp breeze blew through camp. The farther away from the Southern Continent the army travelled, the cooler it became, the trees denser and the lapping seawaters rougher.

Sartaq released a long breath, one he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. Once the rukhin were past the tree tops, their presence were hidden by the canopy of thick rustling leaves—the main reason why they chose to camp in this unknown forest. But the idea of his army being divided into smaller groups gnawed at him. The rukhin were stronger together. Though seemingly, their aid in this war was a bigger secret to uphold. In battle, it held more power for the rukhin to remain out of eyes and ears of their enemies until the time to strike. Thankfully, his unease was known only to him and the silhouette of a woman perched by a tree—her head bent, long black hair hiding her face like a silk curtain—as she sharpened her arrows.

Another deep sigh threatened to wrack through Sartaq, though he held it to keep away questioning glances. A few rukhin, still heavily clad in armour watched with him to bid farewell their comrades—their eyes filled with promises of what’s to come once they arrive at Morath.

Despite their infectious determination, Sartaq felt an emotion deeper than bloodlust and war. He was in too deep to care for both his legion and the woman who held his heart. Even Kadara had gone in the back of his mind, his ruk only glad that she can eat and hunt whenever she pleases without him constantly hovering over her.

As rukhin passed by, the men and women pressed a fisted hand to their chests, a respectful way to acknowledge their commander. Sartaq nodded in reply, though his mind was clouded an unwelcome worry. His eyes flitted towards her—he couldn’t help it—and held it there. Sartaq imagined, in the dimming sunlight, her figure, standing strong and proud just behind the frontlines, an arrow knocked on her bow. And what awaited in front of her?

Sartaq must have been staring a second too long. Nesryn’s attention turned curiously at him. It was only a small tilt of the head, but he noticed nonetheless. Their eyes held. One second, then two. One breath in—one breath out. Sartaq did not know how long their gazes held. It could have been just a second or an eternity and he wouldn’t have even noticed. He wouldn’t have cared at all. Nesryn’s face was emotionless, but her eyes said it all. She was like a wild cat and he a curious traveller. Sartaq was coaxing her in, letting her open up to him before he had the courage to approach, until her eyes steeled over and she turned away from him.

A voice cleared their throat—drawing his attention away from Nesryn—towards a female rukhin, armourless and weaponless.

Sartaq raised an eyebrow. “Are you so relaxed, soldier, that you are without weapon and protection?”

The rukhin, a petite dark haired woman, with equally dark, churning eyes, crossed her arms, a mischievous smile splayed on her full lips. “Do you want to test out your assumptions, Heir of the Khagan? I can demonstrate to you just how weaponless I am.”

At first, “My apologies,” Sartaq said, almost dismissively, “I should have known better than to judge from appearances alone.” Just as Nesryn’s face was delicate and soft, she was neither of those things. Nesryn was as strong as he was, just as powerful—

The female rukhin’s laugh halted his thoughts. Her eyes wrinkled at the corners, making it seem that her eyes were shaped like a rainbow. She covered her mouth with her hand, almost as if she was deeply embarrassed.

If Sartaq wasn’t so distracted by thoughts of Nesryn, he could have sworn this rhukhin was flirting with him.

Sartaq looked up just in time to see Nesryn’s eyes bearing hard against the rukhin in front of him, before she leaped from her perch in the trees and stalked off.

He didn’t even hesitate.

Sartaq just turned and left, his feet nearly tangling with a group of rukhin lounging on the ground near him. At first, his pace was hurried, but not hurried enough to warrant curious looks. But when her figure turned a corner towards the rows of tents and disappeared, he broke out into a full run, cursing himself in the process.

“Nesryn?”

➴ ➴ ➴ ➴ ➴

The urge to turn around was great, but Nesryn pushed against it. She couldn’t face him, couldn’t look in those dark eyes, not now. Not as jealous surged through her like a rapidly flowing river.

She hated it. She hated how jealous she was, for she never felt anything like it before. She wasn’t one to be jealous.

To try and calm her racing heart, Nesryn simply walked around the tent, moving things around to keep her busy. The whole while, she felt Sartaq’s gaze on her as he stood in front of the closed tent flap.

Nesryn’s eyes bore straight ahead, but never straight at him. If she did, she wouldn’t be able to look away. And looking at him simply brought forward the onslaught of doubt she’d been feeling. Would she be good enough to be Empress? What if his family regretted her?

She knew Sartaq loved her. There was no doubt in that. But would she ever fit into the mold of an Empress—a position where her whole life will ultimately be determined by others? Those were the thoughts racing through her mind lately. It was also the reason she had been distancing herself—had been pulling away.

“Don’t do this.”

Sartaq’s rich voice washed over her. Nesryn could feel his gaze burning into her back, but she still did not turn around as she busied her hands. She said nothing.

“That was nothing.”

Nesryn hated how he could see straight through her.

She knew it was nothing. It is nothing. Sartaq was Prince and soon-to-be Khagan. Females and males would throw themselves at his feet—to hand over their lives for him, to serve him, to die for him—yet here she was, cross that he was speaking with a female. A too friendly female.

“I didn’t say it was anything.” Each word was like a punch in the gut. She was going to be sick, going to be—

Sartaq chuckled, causing Nesryn to freeze. Confusion and the slightest bit of angry took hold. Did he truly think this was funny?

He didn’t say anything. Not as Nesryn heard him walk deeper into the tent, coming to stand next to her. It was only when he reached out, whispered her name like a gentle breeze and lightly took her hand in his that Nesryn finally met his gaze.

The instant their eyes connected, Sartaq’s small smirk vanished. “I’ve missed you.”

Nesryn prided herself in being cold and unyielding. But with those three words, she lost it. Her mask, her strong façade melted away, as if her very soul was bare for him to see.

She could see the questions in his eyes, the reassurance he wanted to give her. But she didn’t need anymore words between them now—didn’t even want them to keep the nagging voices at bay. Looking up at his handsome face, all thoughts washed away. How much she truly missed him after weeks of pulling away crashed down on her.

She wanted him. It was as simple as that.

Gripping the front of his tunic, Nesryn pulled Sartaq’s lips to hers. She only caught him off guard for a moment until he kissed her back. They were so close that their noses brushed. Her lips parted, welcoming him in, and Nesryn was overcome with not only her own love for this man holding her, but the love he had for her as well.

Nesryn held onto him, her fingers threading through his long hair as he pulled her hips flush against his.

For just a little while, Nesryn didn’t want to think about the war and what was to come, she didn’t want to think about being an Empress and the duties that came with it. She just wanted to think about Sartaq and her.

She pulled at his clothes and as Sartaq pulled back, his gaze bore into hers with a simple, silent question. It was a question Nesryn answered with a nod, before his lips claimed hers once more, trailing across her jaw and down her throat.

“I promise you we’d spend all day,” Sartaq said into her ear, “I’m still saving that promise for later.”

Nesryn must have said something, because Sartaq’s laugh vibrated through her body.

“As much as I want to take all day, we’re in the middle of a war, and I want to keep you safe.”

“I can take care of myself,” Nesryn began, but her words were cut off by Sartaq’s wandering wands.

Their clothes came off in a haste, piece by piece lying on the floor around them. Somehow, Sartaq managed to guide them to the small makeshift bed. His lips never left her body once. With every stroke and touch of his hands, as he made his way down her body, Nesryn felt all her doubt and nerves wash away—if just for the night.

With Sartaq’s head between her thighs, her heavy panting and deep moans filling the tent around them, Nesryn never felt so alive. Every cell in her body felt like it was on fire. She couldn’t form a thought beyond the Prince worshipping her.

When she finally came over the edge, Sartaq made his way back up her body, eyes never leaving hers. There was so much love, so many promises in those deep eyes that Nesryn couldn’t breathe. And when he carefully pulled at the leather strap in his hair, the question falling from his lips, Nesryn found herself nodding.

She felt excitement and desire pull deep in her stomach, racing in her veins as Sartaq gently took her wrists and tied them with the leather strap above her head.

His lips met hers once more, kissing her long and deep as he thrust into her and all thoughts left Nesryn’s mind completely. Gone was the war, the camp, the rukhins, and whatever their future held. None of that mattered, not as they moved together as one. Not as Sartaq wished her name like it was a plead, a pray, an answer. No, all that mattered was them.

➴ ➴ ➴ ➴ ➴

Sometime later, with Sartaq’s arms wrapped tightly around her, Nesryn woke up to noise outside the tent. At first, she didn’t know what it was. It was only when her mind cleared of sleep that she recognized that sound.

With a quick glance at Sartaq—who was still sleeping soundlessly, hair a mess around him—Nesryn gently unwrapped herself from his arms and climbed out of bed. She dressed, armed herself with a simple, silver dagger and walked out into the chilly night.

For the most part, the camp was silent and still, and it didn’t take Nesryn long to find Kadara at the edge. She only had enough time to give the ruk a puzzled look before Kadara took off—not to the skies—but moving across the rocky terrain.

Nesryn didn’t hesitate. She followed after Kadara without a second glance behind her. They moved over rocks and small grass-patches that were currently covered in snow. In fact, they hadn’t been walking for long, the silent night their only company, when Kadara came to a sudden stop.

Nesryn stepped closer, the moon her only source of light as Kadara nudged something—a rock maybe—with her nose.

“What do you have there, girl?” Keeping her hand on the ruk for guidance, Nesryn bent forward, pulling Kadara’s head aside to reveal a shiny, round object, nearly the size of a human head. It was blue and spotted and... warm. Nesryn pulled her hand back instantly, recognition dawning on her face.

An egg—and not just any egg—but a ruk egg.

“But that’s impossible,” Nesryn breathed. What was a ruk egg doing all the way out here, far, far away from the Southern Continent, with no other ruk’s in sight?

Nesryn glanced up at Kadara, only to find the ruk’s giant gaze on her. Kadara’s eyes glistened over, almost pleadingly, as she nudged the egg again with her beak.

Though just as Nesryn’s fingers brushed the soft surface of the egg again, she heard it.

Sounds of ruks screeching, of sure voices hailing commands and the distinct clang of metal on metal. All sounds of battle.

Nesryn snatched the egg and raced back towards camp, the only thought of finding Sartaq and making sure he was safe, rushing through her mind. Kadara followed after her, the ruk keeping guard at her back as her feet pounded against the snow covered ground.

The closer and closer she got towards the camp, the louder the sounds became. And suddenly, the smell of rotting decay hit her like a punch in the face. It was a smell she would never ever be able to forget.

And the sight of it.

Creatures surrounded by smoke, with gangly limbs and unnaturally large dark eyes tore their way through camp. The valg. Though the rukhins were holding their own for now, Nesryn didn’t know how long that would last.

Kadara let out a ferocious squawk behind her. Nesryn scrambled to grip the dagger strapped to her hip into her free hand. “Find him,” she said quickly to the ruk, before they were spotted by the dark creatures. “Find Sartaq and make sure he’s safe.”

Kadara didn’t move an inch.

Nesryn stared at the ruk, her brows creasing in frustration. “Kadara, go!”

Kadara belted out a screech.

“Keep Sartaq safe like I know you will and I’ll keep your egg safe,” Nesryn promised. “Now, go! I’ll find you.”

With an intake of breath, Nesryn hooked the egg under her arm, not even waiting for Kadara to take flight, and made her way swiftly through camp. There was only one thing, one possession she owned worth risking her life for.

Nesryn moved with precision, finding paths towards her tent with the least amount of danger. The smell got stronger as she went, the shouts louder, and as she sidestepped another attack, she could finally see a clear path straight towards her tent.

With the egg tightly wrapped in her arm, Nesryn pumped her legs as hard as she could. She was so close, the tent within her reach, all she had to do was—

Sartaq’s voice echoed in her ears.

Nesryn skidded to a halt, her feet kicking up dirt as she twisted around to find Sartaq on the ground, atop Kadara. A sword covered in what could only be Valg blood was strapped onto his back, though the rest of him looked perfectly fine. Nesryn nearly sagged in relief. She felt the corner of her mouth lift in a small smile and Sartaq returned it back without hesitancy, until he noticed the round egg she was holding. Nesryn shrugged—as if to say it was nothing and that she’d tell him later—just as Kadara began to stretch her wings, lifting herself off the ground towards her.

Nesryn’s eyes held Sartaq’s, before it travelled up into the dawn sky. And suddenly the relief Nesryn felt just seconds ago washed away with the gust of a winter’s wind. She watched—an incomprehensible scream her only warning—as giant, glistening black nets started raining down from the sky.

In the thick of the attack, both Valg and rukhin became trapped, whilst others who took to the skies with their ruk came swirling down hard onto the ground. Nesryn heard Sartaq’s grunt before she saw what had happened. In a blink of an eye, Sartaq was on his back, sprawled on the ground and Kadara was right beside him, her wings pinned down, her whole body wrapped around the net. He scrambled up onto his feet, immediately grabbed for his sword and hacked away at the net.

Nesryn ran towards them, dodging and blocking incoming enemies with her one free hand. Other rukhin’s gathered around Sartaq, making sure he was well protected.

Nesryn was almost there—within reach of them—when the ruk met her gaze and froze. She only had time to follow Kadara’s gaze up, up, up and suddenly a heavy weight crushed down on her shoulders. Nesryn fell to the ground, her knife flying out of her hand and across the dirt as she protected the egg from her fall.

“Nes?!” Sartaq called out through the disarray around them.

“I’m fine,” she managed to clip out. “Get Kadara out first, and then we can get the hell out of here!”

Nesryn didn’t wait for Sartaq to reply. She tried to wriggle onto her side, trying to gain some ground between her and the knife she had dropped. But all too quickly, her breath became laboured, her position on the ground seemingly the same no matter how hard she pushed herself forward. Still, with the egg in one arm, Nesryn tried and tried and tried.

And just like that, everything happened hard and fast. Pain flashed through Nesryn’s shoulder, lacing through her bones—down to her core. Nesryn couldn’t stop the wretched scream that flew past her lips, black spots clouding her vision as she gripped the egg for dear life and hoped Sartaq and Kadara were safe before her.

➴ ➴ ➴ ➴ ➴

Nesryn’s voice echoed in his head. It was all around him, echoing through him, drowning him. Sartaq’s vision blurred as he scrambled forward, his sword dragging on the ground behind him as he finally tore through Kadara’s net. Time had slowed down into a crawl, like everything in his life revolved around this one moment in time where getting to her—getting to Nesryn—was the only thing that mattered. She was the only thing that mattered.

And yet, she wasn’t moving.

Nesryn lay on her side, her body curled up around the object she had been carrying earlier, though Sartaq could tell that her chest heaved up and down, that Nesryn was still breathing. Havoc reigned around her unconscious figure. The few rukhin who had not been hit by the sudden onslaught of arrows were helping to free others, though there were more rukhins down than up.

Sartaq couldn’t wipe the image of the dark horizon, the sliver of orange hinting at dawn and the shooting arrows, like the first fall of snow, raining down on them. And somehow, one stray arrow was enough to bring his whole life crashing down on him.

“Commander!” a strong, steady hand grabbed onto his arm, pulling him further away from Nesryn’s body. “We have to go! You need to take cover.”

Sartaq snatched his arm back. “NO. I need to save her.”

The rukhin gave him a puzzled look. “We’ll save as many fallen as we can, but Commander, you need to leave. You—”

Sartaq broke off into a sprint. It was the dash of his life, the moment everything came at a standstill as his legs pumped underneath him. For the first time, he cursed himself for not being Fae, for not having the ability to be as quick as the wind.

“ARROWS FROM ABOVE,” a female rukhin shouted.

It was a wonder to Sartaq how he heard it over the raging beat of his heart. He was almost there, so close, so close.

But the arrow coming down in front of Nesryn was faster.

Sartaq wasn’t going to make it. He deflected arrows coming towards him with his sword, and sidestepped others, but despite his speed, he wasn’t quick enough.

The love of his life was going to die. He was going to witness it. And yet he couldn’t do anything about it.

“NESRYN,” he belted at the top of his lungs, his legs still running to get to her. “NESRYN, GET UP! GET UP. PLEASE.” Sartaq choked on each word, tasting the salt trailing down his face. He wasn’t going to make it. She wasn’t going to make it.

A gust of wind brushed past him, the touch of soft feathers fluttering by his cheek, almost as if to wipe away the tears on his cheeks. And just like that, Kadara’s beautiful frame came over Nesryn’s limp body.

Kadara didn’t make a sound as arrows rained down on her back and side. By the time his ruk fell down on the ground beside Nesryn, Sartaq fell on his hands and knees.

“Why,” he retched, “why did you do that you silly bird?”

Sartaq’s tears dripped on Kadara’s blood stained feathers. The ruk’s body was so close to Nesryn’s, that if she moved her beak an inch, she would brush past Nesryn’s nose. Almost as if Kadara was reading his thoughts, she moved her beak down lower, past Nesryn’s closed eyes and towards the object she was protectively curled around. It was only from this close up that Sartaq knew what it was.

“That’s impossible,” he breathed. Sartaq nuzzled his face onto Kadara, trying to pour as much love as he could in the embrace. “Thank you, old friend. Without you, I would have never been able to soar. I would have never been able to know what it felt like to freefall, to twist and turn and dive into the open skies. I would have never known how to love.” Sartaq lifted his tear stained face and stroked his ruk, the first ruk he had ever had lovingly, reassuringly. “Thank you for your gift,” he said a final time, “I will protect it with my life.” Sartaq’s eyes drifted towards Nesryn’s, and he took her head and gently placed it on his lap. “I’ll protect her with my life.”

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