#jurian and Vassa as the wing man and wing woman

[thomasisaslut]

Spring Traditions

1/2 — Calanmai

3.2k WC — Tamcien + Minor Azris

—

On Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52364410

On Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/1406475814-𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐑-𝐎𝐧𝐞-𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬-𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬-𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧-𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚

—

With the rebuilding of the Spring Court, Tamlin has decided to start celebrating Calanmai once again, restoring the lost magic of his Court, but, he knew what would happen with the magic in his system...

"Tamlin!" A voice greets, the High Lord of the Spring Court looks over to see his friend and helper of his home, Eris Vanserra.

"Eris," Tamlin smiles at his friend before looking to see the male beside the other High Lord. "Azriel." He hums.

The spymaster only nods, his wing coming around Eris in a protective manner, shadows swarming around the Autumn Fae's wrists.

"It's good to see you." The blond male adds. "And, thank you so much for the help, Eris." He grabs his friends hands when Azriel steps closer, a warning look on his face.

Eris sends his lover a warning glance of his own before taking Tamlin's hands into his own. "It's the least I could do, Tam." He smiles back. "Have Lucien, Jurian, and Vassa arrived yet? Do you need anymore help setting anything up?"

"A little help would be nice..." Tamlin admits, a light tint of pink brushing his cheeks from embarrassment "And no, they're not here yet." He confirms.

The first High Lord of the Autumn Court nods, "What do you need help with?" Eris hums.

"Some decorations, could you light the bonfires?" The blond asks.

"Of course." Eris smiles and intertwines his fingers with Azriel's before pulling the Shadowsinger to one of the large stacks of wood.

Once they have arrived by the logs, Eris places his hands on it and watches it set, Azriel pulls back from the crackling.

"Are you sure you'll be alright here, Az?" Eris' features shift into a worried expression. "There will be a lot of fire."

The spymaster steps closer, cupping one of his mates cheeks. "I'll be fine."

The first Autumn Fae's face deadpans. "Are you certain?"

"I am second High Lord of the Autumn Court with you, princess, I can handle a little fire." Azriel teases before pecking his mates temple.

"High Lord?" A voice speaks, both heads turn to see the Band of Exiles, Jurian continues. "Two in the same Court?"

"The Night can have a High Lady, I want another High Lord." Eris retorts, a small smirk on his face now.

"And what do your people think about this?" The resurrected man raises his eyebrow.

"I don't care what they think of it, they will answer to their other High Lord." The Autumn Fae then looks to Azriel, he remains silent. "Plus, he's stronger than them."

"Eris." Azriel says.

"Hm?" He hums, looking over his shoulder, Azriel motions him away. "Fine, brute." Eris groans, looking at his brother. "Have fun." He smirks, teasingly before disappearing into the shadows with the spymaster.

Lucien watches them vanish before looking back to Vassa and Jurian. "Where is Tamlin?"

"Somewhere." Vassa shrugs. "Well you find him," She smirks. "We are going to find food, you know how much better faerie stuff is." The cursed woman grabs Jurian's hand before scurrying away with him, reaching the food table.

The Day Court's Heir groans before looking around, the Spring Court was rebuilding well, new blooming flowers scattered everywhere. He looks over to the manor, Lucien wonders if the inside has been repaired yet, though, he doubts it.

Out of the corner of his eye, a blond color is seen, Lucien turns to meet Tamlin's gaze.

"Tamlin." Lucien says, he could've swore he saw the High Lord frown.

"Lucien..." He replies, saying the name slowly as if he isn't use to it.

"Thank you for inviting us." The half Autumn Fae states.

"Of course." Tamlin replied before stepping closer, he looks down at Lucien, their height different slight but still noticeable. "How have you been?"

Lucien looks up. "Fine, how did you rebuild all of this... I was here weeks ago and it was..."

"Trashy, rotting, dead?" Tamlin suggests, Lucien grimaces but nods nonetheless. "Your brother assisted me."

The fox raises his eyebrow. "Eris? How?"

"Well, he does have the ability to burn the dead plants without scorching my Court." Tamlin chuckles dryly.

"I mean," Lucien shakes his head. "Why? Why did he help you?"

Tamlin halts. "He is my friend."

"Eris is your friend?" The Day Court's heir crosses his arms, skeptical. "There was no deal, a bargain?"

"He owed me a favor." Tamlin states. "Enough talk about him."

Lucien nods. "How... how have you been?" He asks slowly.

"Depends, do you want the truth or a lie?" The blond High Lord raises his eyebrow.

"Whichever you're more comfortable with, I suppose." The red-head shrugs.

"Then I am fine."

Lucien frowns, clearly detecting that was the lie. "Are you certain?"

"Enjoy yourself." Tamlin states before walking off into the crowd of Autumn, Spring, and even some Dawn Court faeries.

"Wait." Lucien says firmly, The High Lord of the Spring Court stops in his tracks, he turns back around and looks at Lucien.

"What?"

"Talk to me." Tamlin instantly walks back over to him, now in front of him.

"About what?" He raises his eyebrow.

"Tell me what is wrong." Lucien demands.

Tamlin can't refuse. "I will... afterwards." The blond promises.

"No. Tell me now." Lucien snaps.

"I said after." Tamlin grabs the Day Court's heirs hand. "I promise."

Lucien halts before nodding.

—

The official ceremony soon begins, however this Calanmai only had three of seven High Lord participating, Eris, Thesan, and Tamlin. While Azriel did count, the magic cannot affect him due to his lack of High fae blood.

Thesan was the first to allow the magic in, waves of Dawn magic flood Lucien's sends, the mix of power and arousal.

The High Lord of the Dawn Court looks over to his lover, instantly pouncing on them before winnowing to somewhere else in the Spring Court, making sure the magic remained here to spread.

Lucien looks over to Azriel who was standing beside him. "Good luck." The Day Court's heir smirks, they have had a small friendship since Lucien was working with the Night Court, but, since Azriel moved to the Autumn he hasn't seen him as much, even if the spymaster was his brothers mate.

"I could say the same to you." Azriel retorts, leaving the fox confused, before Lucien had a chance to ask what he meant the second High Lord of the Autumn Court was gone, over to see his mate who seeped of arousal.

Lucien groans and looks to where Tamlin stood, magic swarming around him, sure, he has seen the sight so many times, his nude chest covered in the paint as usual, but something seemed so much more... enticing this Calanmai.

Soon, the last High Leora finished, Tamlin's scent was all the rest of the High Fae needed before moving, finding their own respective person to mate with.

Including one who came over to Lucien.

"Vanserra," The man greets, he had slick black hair, bright yellow-white eyes, the man was clearly of the Dawn Court by his appearance and clothing preference. "Yes?"

"That is correct..." Lucien says for slowly, his eyes not leaving Tamlin as the High Lord scans the crowd, the fox studies the Spring Fae's toned back.

"Care to look my way, sweetheart?" The male hums, but, he didn't have a chance to say another word.

"He does not care." Tamlin grumbles, storming over and placing his hand firmly on Lucien's hip.

Lucien's cheeks flush a deep red. "Tam." He warns.

Tamlin only sends a glare to the man. "Lay off." He practically growls, the Dawn Court fae backs away, Lucien looks up.

"What was that for?" He cocks his head.

"You were clearly uninterested." The blond states.

"And how do you know that?" Lucien retorts.

Tamlin doesn't reply, but, Lucien feels a deep tug, a golden power he has only felt with one other fae, but, he knew this flower was different. The Day Court's heir quickly meets the High Lord's gaze, he speaks slowly.

"Tamlin?"

The High Lord of the Spring Court only looks at him, his eyes filled with a mix of lust and sympathy, he finally speaks. "I am sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

"This... this is just Calanmai magic." Lucien chuckles nervously.

"No." Tamlin cups Lucien's cheek with one hand. "I have know you were my mate the second Eris begged me to take you into my court." The blonde pauses. "I have wanted to tell you every second since then, but, I wasn't able too, every time I tried there was something blocking me."

"That was over two hundred years ago." Lucien tenses, but, doesn't pull away, in fact he sinks into the males touch.

"When you first got here you were still being affected by the Autumn Court, that beast." Tamlin looks furious as he speaks of Beron. "Then, afterwards, I tried to get you happy by doing that fucking masquerade with Amarantha, you know how that turned out." Lucien nods. "After that, when we returned home, Andras happened, then I saw Feyre... a chance to forget." Tamlin frowns. "I never really wanted her, but, I tricked myself... I forced myself to love her." Lucien looks shocked by the revelation.

"And you tricked yourself to love her to forget... me?" Lucien asks.

"To hide the bond. If I loved someone else... maybe it would go away, I thought." Tamlin shrugs before continuing. "After that, she went to break the curse, I couldn't do anything... to help either of you. When I saw you down there..." Tamlin pauses, Lucien feels waves of anger and guilt through the bond they share. "I was paralyzed. Two people I loved were about to die, had it not been for the Night Bat..." Tamlin moves his free hand to Lucien's waist, tugging him into a hug. "I don't want to think about that outcome, I may've not loved Feyre romantically, but, I did love her."

Lucien hugs him back, tightly. "Continue."

Tamlin does. "She soon left our court, I went... rather insane, as you saw." He grimaces. "When she came back and destroyed my Court I was hurt, that's why the High Lord meeting was the way it was... and with Hybern... I wanted revenge." Tamlin frowns. "I didn't want her dead, nor anyone else." Lucien nods, motioning for him to continue. "When I saw her happy with Rhysand, I wished her to be happy, I helped heal him. But... when I saw Elain out of the Cauldron I felt our bond... falter, so, I kept quiet."

Lucien brings his own hands to Tamlin's cheeks, wiping away the tears that have begun to fall.

"Then, Eris told me you wanted to try to... romance her, I gave up all together." Tamlin says. "I... I wanted you to be happy after everything you've gone through, Lu."

The use of his nickname made Lucien's heart flutter, he buries his head into Tamlin's nude chest. "Finish."

"I never planned to tell you, but, I saw the opportunity... with you here... I thought, maybe, just maybe, you would... see me in a better light, at least." Tamlin concludes.

Lucien remains silent before leaning up and gently pressing a kiss to Tamlin's cheek. "What about Elain?"

"Accept it, reject it, it is your choice, Lu." Tamlin sighs. "The same goes with ours."

The heir ponders before tugging Tamlin into a tighter hug. "You."

"Me?" Tamlin looks confused.

"You're confession... I... I'm sorry, I wished you would've told me sooner." Lucien cups Tamlin's cheeks once more before kissing him, the High Lord instantly kisses back.

"Careful, I won't be able to hold myself back, Lu." Tamlin warns.

"Then don't, Tamlin, I love you, I have for a long time... to hear you say all of these things..." Lucien's eye becomes watery. "I saw my own Archeon sister as a chance to forget, I don't want that anymore."

Tamlin's eyes widen, he brings his forehead to rest upon Lucien's own. "Are you certain you want this? Me?" The blond asks carefully.

"More than anything." Lucien smiles softly. "Now..." A smirk forms on his face, his hand trailing down to the High Lord's very thin, baggy, tan pants, teasing his hardened length. "I suppose we should do something about that little issue, hm?"

"Oh, Lu." Tamlin groans. "I assure you, it is not little." Lucien's cheeks burn a deep red.

Within a second, the pair vanishes in a puff of flowers, Tamlin winnowing them to his bedroom, swiftly, the High Lord pushes Lucien onto the bed, spreading his legs before crawling between them, slinging his right leg over his already bare shoulders.

"Are you absolutely certain you want this, Lu?" Tamlin asks again, his cock straining against his pants and rubbing against Lucien's own hardened length.

"Please." The smaller of the two begs. "I've wanted you for so long, Tam, let me have you."

"Of course." The High Lord purrs, using his magic, Tamlin strips off both of their clothes, now both lay nude.

Lucien whimpers from the sudden breeze of coldness, he spreads his left leg wider while his right remains slung over Tamlin's shoulder.

"Do you have lubricant?" The Day Court's heir asks.

"No." Tamlin brings his fingers to Lucien's mouth. "Suck, little fox." The red-head instantly complies, bringing his mates index and middle into his mouth, licking, sucking, and lubricating his fingers with his saliva.

Once his hand is fully wet, the High Lord trails them down to the others rear, slowly sliding in his pointer. A small gasp escapes Lucien's lips.

"You can... use two." He pants out, on of his clutching the sheets whilst his other was holding tightly onto the long, blond locks of his mate.

Tamlin smirks and complies, he slides in his middle finger and begins to move them, curling the digits inside of Lucien before pulling out and slamming back in, repeating his motion in a cycle.

"Oh! There, Tam!" He moans, his grip tightening on his lovers hair. Tamlin complies, not daring to hold back, they've missed enough time together as it is.

"Tell me when you're ready for me, little fox." He hums, inserting a third finger into Lucien's arse, pounding and thrusting them inside of him, massaging his prostate with every movement.

Lucien nods. "Now... fuck! Please." He moans.

Tamlin's smirk grows, he grabs Lucien's left leg and moves it over his other shoulder before withdrawing his fingers, the fox whining at the loss, the High Lord uses his hand to lubricate his cock before aligning the pink tip with his hole.

"Are-"

"Fuck me, Tamlin!" Lucien cuts him off with a plea.

Tamlin chuckles. "Of course, Lu." He slowly slides in, letting his mate stretch around the head of his length before pushing in another inch, the closer he gets to the hilt the more Lucien bends.

By the time the High Lord was fully sheathed, Lucien was a moaning mess beneath him, his legs by his chest in a mating press position.

"Move... you can move." He pants out.

The blond nods. "Hold on tight, little fox." He purrs before begins to thrust his cock in and out, squelching noises fill the room, mixing in with the sweet, erotic moans of both the men.

With every movement Tamlin's cock makes sure to hit Lucien's sweet spot, the High Lord grasps his hips, pulling his lover even further down his cock, his balls slapping against the back of his arse.

"Fuck your hand, Lucien." The red-head instantly complies, his scent of arousal smelling more than any other person in the Calanmai, he radiated the pure essence sex.

Lucien brought his hand to his cock, stroking his shaft, attempting to buck up his hips only to be stopped by Tamlin's own hands. He sends his mate a pleading look, tugging on the bond.

"Beg." He smirks.

Lucien whines. "Let me move, Tam... please, please, I need to cum."

Tamlin hums, his grip loosens, moving to Lucien's thighs, gripping them before pounding himself harder, abusing his lovers prostate.

"Ah... T-Tam!" Lucien quickened his hand, tugging and thrusting, tightening and pinching. "Let... can... cum?" He pants.

"Yes, Lu." He leans down, spreading Lucien's legs wider before pressing a kiss to his lips. "Cum for me, little fox." Tamlin kisses him again.

Lucien moans into his mates mouth before his cock spurts out his release, covering their lower stomach in a thick, white liquid. Tamlin looks down, Lucien's follows his gaze, watching as his lovers cock thrusts in and out of him.

"Lucien!" He shouts before his own release shoots inside of his mates rear, filling his arse with cum. Tamlin pants, falling a top of Lucien.

The red-head carefully wraps his arms around Tamlin, grabbing his jaw to make him look up at him. "Tam?" He hums.

The High Lord looks up at him, his eyes dazed and still lustful. He then places his hands on either side of his mates head. "Yes, my heart?"

Lucien beams at the nickname, his body, literally, illuminating with Day Court light, he wraps his legs around his mates waist. "You're still in me."

"You're still aroused." Tamlin retorts with a smirk.

"I would suggest we do something about that yet, yes?" He smirks back.

The High Lord slides out, watching his cum dribble out of his mates rear, the white-clear liquid leaking down the back of his thighs before he grabs Lucien's hips, flipping him onto his stomach, when Lucien looks forward he sees a mirror.

Tamlin moves his knees onto the bed, moving Lucien's pelvic region up, now in a downward dog position. "Watch as I fuck you, Lu. Look away and I stop."

Then, he begins again, the Spring Fae aligns his cock again, thrusting back into his already stuffed lover, his eyes don't leave Lucien's own as he fucks him, Lucien stares back.

Moans pour out of both of their mouths, but, the red-head still doesn't look away, his pride long gone.

"More." He demands, Tamlin moves his left hand, hooking it under Lucien's waist, freeing his right, before using that free hand to toy with his lovers cock, stroking his hardened length.

"Cum for me again, little fox." He purrs, leaning down so his head is beside Lucien's own. "Do it while looking at me."

The Day Court's heir moans loudly, bucking his hips, fucking his cock into his mates hand before a second load shoots from his length, staining the white sheets beneath him. But, Lucien doesn't stop there, he grinds his rear against his mate, clenching and milking the High Lord's cock.

Tamlin moans into his ear before his own second orgasm releases into Lucien's arse. Slowly, The High Lord of the Spring Court pulls out, falling onto his back before tugging Lucien down beside him, his chest against his mates own, face to face.

"Tam..." He pants out, his leg slings over Tamlin's waist, now snuggling against him. "I... I love you."

Tamlin tugs on the bond. "I love you too, little fox." He kisses Lucien's forehead.

The Day Court's heir's light doesn't go out, the yellow-white glow illuminates the room. "I will accept tomorrow."

"Y-You will?" Tamlin's cheek flush. "I don't want to rush-"

"I've loved you for years, centuries, dumbass." Lucien chuckles, his head in the crook of Tamlin's neck. "Don't make me wait any longer."

Tamlin grins and wraps his arms around Lucien tightly, holding him even closer to his own body, the Calanmai magic fading from his system.

"I won't. I promise."

#tamlin x lucien #tamcien #a court of thorns and roses #a court of mist and fury #acotar #a court of silver flames #acofas #acomaf #acosf #acowar #eris my beloved #high lord eris #azriel x eris #eris vanserra x reader #azris

[lorcandidlucienwill]

Jassa wedding!

This takes place AFTER my story where Lucien loses his shit and does something crazy!

Epilogue --> 2 years later Lucien imagined this would be the first time in history Prythian ever hosted a wedding between two humans.

He chuckled at the thought, knowing Tamlin would be proud. He had always been a radical; hosting an all-human wedding seemed like the kind of thing he would do.

He wondered what his people would think of it. That their new High Lord of Spring had two humans for best friends, and that he was going to be the best man at their wedding.

He imagined many people wouldn’t be happy about it. Well, they were just going to have to deal with it.

They weren’t any ordinary humans, anyway. They were now the Queen and Prince-consort of the human lands. Once Vassa obtained her freedom, it didn’t take long for her to kick her fellow queens to the curb. She was a badass like that.

And finally, after two years of Lucien telling the two idiots to just get married already, they’d finally agreed on one condition: Lucien had to host their wedding.

Lucien had planned on doing it anyway, but he pretended to be all hung up over it for a little while.

And now he stood beside his best friend, Jurian, who was waiting for Vassa to come down the aisle. His silver wedding outfit would’ve been very grand if it weren’t for the gigantic eye woven into the middle of the dress robes. Jurian had insisted on it, saying it was destiny that he get married with a gigantic eye on his clothes since he was an eye for 500 years and his best man had lost an eye 50 years ago, both to the same woman. Lucien had shaken his head, but he couldn’t deny it was absolutely hilarious. Lucien had added a little magic to the eye, so all the wedding guests were extremely uncomfortable because the eye moved every once in a while. Lucien had to resist the urge to laugh every time he looked at the eye.

Marigolds and dahlias lined the aisle. Lucien had insisted on no roses, considering how the last wedding went; they were cursed to him now.

“What do you imagine her dress looks like?” Jurian muttered to Lucien from the corner of his eye.

Lucien snorted. “You say that like I don’t already know what it looks like.”

“What? She showed you?”

“No. But I’m not so easily foiled.” Lucien said, winking at Jurian, who scowled. “Fuck off.”

“Who’ll be your best man, then?”

Jurian opened his mouth to reply, then his jaw dropped as he stared at Vassa.

Her off-the-shoulder dress was exquisite; Lucien had made sure of that. Layers upon layer of orange tulle flowed around her, and wings sprouted from the back of the dress. A costume for a firebird. Lucien had made sure to put a tiara in her hair as well so that no one forgot her queen status.

Jurian’s eyes just about popped out of his skull. The scent of his arousal clogged Lucien’s nose. “Dude, calm down. Think of something nasty. Like being an eye for 500 years.”

The arousal instantly dispersed. “Thanks, bro,” he muttered. “Don’t mention it,” Lucien said.

Vassa reached the end of the aisle and took Jurian’s hand. The priestesses began their prayers, and Lucien’s eyes drifted to his mate and wife. Elain beamed at him from the front row. She looked lovely in a simple floral lavender dress. To her right sat Nesta and Eris in matching green robes. To her left sat Feyre and Azriel in Night Court black.

“You look handsome,” Elain mouthed at him. Lucien blushed.

Soon the prayers ended and Jurian and Vassa began their vows.

“Jurian, I knew you were an idiot from the start,” Vassa said. “But your idiocy grew on me. I find it amazing that you were imprisoned by Amarantha for 500 years and you never broke. You’re so strong, and even though you suck at most things, you’re an incredible general and king. Most importantly, in my toughest moments, when I was imprisoned by Koschei, you stuck with me through it all. So, you fucking idiot, I love you.”

Lucien resisted the urge to snort, but Jurian actually had tears in his eyes. To each their own.

“My beautiful Vassa, you flounced into my life after my 500 year imprisonment and absolutely turned my life upside down. I don’t know where I would be without you to humble me at every turn. Even though you were imprisoned by a death god, you never broke, and the moment you got free you kicked your fellow queens to the curb, and it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. So, my firebird, I love you too.”

Lucien looked away as they kissed, focusing on Elain instead.

Elain blew him a kiss. Lucien grinned like an idiot, but he didn’t care. He never thought he could be this happy. He only wished Tamlin was still here to see it.

Lucien waited for his cue. Vassa tugged on her ear, and Lucien set the edges of her dress on fire. A true firebird. Vassa grinned as the fire set off her fiery hair, tied back in an elegant ponytail. Jurian’s eyes were starstruck as he gazed at her. Lucien smiled.

Soon, it was time for the best man’s speech. Lucien cleared his throat. “When I first met Jurian, it took all of my self-control to not rip out his throat.” Jurian grinned. “I never would’ve expected that soon after that we’d be best friends. It was the worst time of my life. I’d been kicked out of two courts, and I would always be an outsider in the other. I fell in with Jurian and Vassa, who also had no family of their own. And we made our own family. The sexual tension between these two fools was crazy, but they were so stubborn they wouldn’t get married until I agreed to host their wedding. So, here we are. All hail Queen Vassa, and her prince-consort, Jurian!”

The crowd cheered. Lucien’s heart soared.

Everything was starting to settle down now. Prythian was becoming the place it always should’ve been.

Tamlin’s dream would live on.

#pro lucien vanserra #lucien vanserra #elucien #anti inner circle #jassa #fanfic #jurian #vassa #band of exiles #queen vassa

[abruisedmuse]

Why I need the Elucien book to be AT LEAST 1000 pages.

1. 500 pages- For them to build a beautiful, healing relationship

2. 500 pages - For THE SMUT.

#elucien #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #that's it #plot? what plot #just elucien pining and being dumb #and healing themselves #jurian and Vassa as the wing man and wing woman #sarcasm and smut

[jungleslang]

I'm sorry, but I cannot understand people who say that Elriel shippers hate Lucien and want to cause him pain or are advocating for him to experience pain and ultimately be unhappy. I understand that the mating bond is a huge deal in fae culture, and that it's more difficult to deal with for the male than for the female. But shipping Elain with Azriel despite this does NOT mean that I hate him. The opposite is actually true. It literally makes zero sense.

I've seen this argument too many times throughout the years, and I saw it again today, so I've decided to address it. I'm going to discuss why Elriel doesn't equal Lucien being unhappy, as well as some Elriel and Vucien foreshadowing, and why this could lead to Lucien's happiness. Be aware that I'm obviously biased, and this is in no way meant to hate on Elucien or Elucien shippers. I'm just addressing this specific argument. All ships are valid, and we don't ship shame in this house. This is just my personal opinion, and I know that what I ship might not be endgame.

Also this is gonna be pretty long, don't say I didn't warn you.

I want to start off by saying that a big reason why I don't ship Elucien is honestly BECAUSE I love Lucien. Elain has consistently shown not even an ounce of interest in him for the past three books. Lucien himself also says that Elain was "thrown at him," while Jesminda, his past love, chose him. Elain has never used or shown her appreciation for any of the gifts Lucien gave her (which is her right). She has clearly stated that she does not want a mate. She also currently has feelings for Azriel, and it's been said that Elain "shrinks" in Lucien's presence, her newfound boldness suddenly gone. I'm sorry, but why would I want this for Lucien?? Why would I want Lucien to be with a woman who does not love him and currently has feelings for another male? A woman who literally shrivels up when he is near her? Lucien deserves to love and be loved wholeheartedly. And of course, Elain does, too.

Additionally, Lucien's words about Jesminda highlight that having a choice and being truly chosen are things that matter to him. And who are the people that Lucien has actively chosen to be with? Jurian and Vassa. Lucien is a centuries old fae male, with experience in multiple courts, and he's chosen to shack up with two humans in the human lands. That means something, and it shows that Vassa and Jurian are the people he feels comfortable with, the people he trusts, and most importantly, the people who make him feel wanted. Wanted enough to literally live with them after all of his trauma, after being barred from his home in the Spring Court by Tamlin, a person he loved cherished more than anyone else. And Jurian and Vassa have also chosen him.

As someone who absolutely loves Lucien, THIS is what I want for him. For him to be with people he chose and who in turn chose him. I want what's best for him, and so far, the text has indicated that Jurian and Vassa are what's best for him. I mean come on, the three of them literally created a name for themselves, the Band Of Exiles. The one time we saw Lucien actually laugh in ACOWAR was when he was with Vassa at the end. He blushes at the mention of her and has a "spark" in his eyes when he talks about her. Let's also not forget about this part in ACOFAS:

Lucien says that he's not living with them, the manor belongs to all of them. And even Feyre remarks how he's more comfortable around them, two humans, than people of his own race. I feel like this part is so overlooked. To me, it really demonstrates that Lucien has indeed found a home with these people, a home that belongs to all of them, and that he feels he truly does belong with them.

Additionally, it bothers me when people imply that rejecting the mating bond automatically equals unhappiness while accepting it guarantees love and happiness. Elain and Lucien rejecting their mating bond does not mean that Lucien is doomed to be unhappy and in pain for the rest of his life. And accepting it does not mean they'll be happy, either. We literally have proof of this in the books, and it comes in the form of Rhysand's parents. Rhys says that his parents were wrong for each other, and that his mother eventually came to hate his father, only staying with him because she was grateful to him for saving her wings. That is not a happy relationship.

Also, something that is one of the biggest hints toward Elriel for me, is the fact that every single mated couple we see in the books that actually ended up together had feelings for each other BEFORE the mating bond snapped into place. Rhys had feelings for Feyre while they were under the mountain, and Feyre fell in love with Rhys before she knew they were mates. Nessian's mating bond also didn't snap into place until after they already loved each other. And we also have Kallias and Viviane, who were in love before they discovered they were mates. These relationships all had solid foundations before the mate bond came came into play. Romantic feelings were established before the bond. For Elucien, this was not the case. Their mate bond snapped into the place the day they met each other, which directly mirrors Rhys' parents, whose mate bond snapped into place the moment they met and who also weren't right for each other. (Coincidence? I think not.)

We also have to remember that we have never been inside Lucien's head, with the exception of that one scene where Feyre infiltrates his mind while he's talking to Elain. That one glimpse alone mainly deals with the feelings he has for Elain due to his instincts because of the mate bond. It's also where he says Elain had been thrown at him. We don't actually know the extent of what he feels or doesn't feel for Elain. We don't know if he has romantic feelings for her outside of his instincts because of the bond, which we know is important based on what we discussed above. Yes, Lucien gives her gifts and clearly wants to get to know her, but we don't know whether he's just doing this out of obligation because the bond is so important in fae culture. Which might also be the reason Elain hasn't formally rejected him yet.

I think that there is a decent chance that this is the case based on what we've seen in the books. I also get the feeling that Lucien might be pursuing Elain out of obligation because Elain hasn't given him the time of day, and they've had no meaningful moments/conversations up until now. He doesn't really know her. How can you have feelings for someone you don't know and haven't spent any real time with? There are also these scenes from ACOFAS and ACOSF:

In ACOFAS, Feyre says that Lucien doesn't seem to have a real interest in bridging gap between him and Elain. In ACOSF, Cassian says the words "my mate" drip with discomfort when Lucien says them. This indicates that he's not so comfortable with calling Elain his mate / having her as his mate.

I also think this part is important because the level of comfort the characters have with each other is a distinguishing factor of the ships. Lucien is more comfortable around Vassa than Elain, while Elain is more comfortable around Azriel than Lucien.

As I stated before, this is the only time we see Lucien laughing in ACOWAR. Additionally, his shoulders are loose, indicating that he is not only comfortable but also relaxed, which is a rare thing for Lucien in the recent books with all the shit he has going on. In contrast, there's always a tension underlying his and Elain's interactions. Based on the fact that Vassa is chatting with him "animatedly," I would say she's likely comfortable around him, too.

There are also these two passages from ACOMAF, which I'm sure every Elriel shipper already knows lol.

We can also see that Elain has been at least somewhat comfortable around Azriel from the start, even when she was afraid of the fae and engaged to a fae-hating man. She even engaged him in a genuine conversation about flying. These two excerpts also show that Elain is somewhat attuned to Azriel as well. She notes his body language and uses it to gauge the situation. This also indicates a certain level of trust in him. And this has only increased as the story progressed. He's content to just sit beside her in the garden, she tells him about her plans for the garden, and they stay up late talking to each other. Their interactions signify how at ease they are with each other, which I think is big thing for Azriel, who's always described as cold and filled with an icy rage. Rhys says it took Mor centuries to get Az to loosen up, but he eased up around Elain in a remarkably short amount of time for someone usually so closed-off.

So, the conclusion here is that Elucien is not the only ship that guarantees all characters' happiness as some people say. Lucien is completely capable of being happy and finding a home without Elain accepting the bond, and the evidence is in the books. The fact that Lucien actively chooses to live together with Jurian and Vassa, and that Elain has constantly chosen to be around Az while showing no interest in Lucien is the reason while I will always stan Vucien and Elriel over Elucien. It's all about choice for me, which is something that's also emphasized in the books and seems to be important for both Elain's and Lucien's arcs.

And all Elriel shippers absolutely don't hate Lucien. If I'm being honest, I actually like Lucien as a character more than Azriel. While I am a diehard Elriel stan and I adore Az, Lucien is a more interesting character to me. He was raised in the Autumn Court, lived in the Spring Court, and ended up becoming part of the Night Court, as well. Then we find out he's the heir to the Day Court, and now he lives in the human lands with Jurian and Vassa. He has connections to so many places, and yet struggles to belong. He was lost, and found a home with two other lost people. The Lost Queen Vassa, and a human who was resurrected in a world that moved on without him.

This is also why, in my opinion, Vucien / The Band of Exiles has so much more potential than Elucien. I don't want another story about mates ending up with each other. Give me the found family trope that is the Band of Exiles.

If you've made it through this whole thing, thank you. As always, I'd love to hear your opinions!

#elriel #vucien #lucien vanserra #azriel #vassa #jurian #elain x azriel #lucien x vassa #acosf #acomaf #acowar #acofas #anti elucien

[exquisitley-obsessed]

Finaces, Firebirds, Foxes and Fawns: 9

Author: @exquisitley-obsessed

Summary: A few weeks after Briallyn’s attempt at uniting with Koschei, Lucien opens the door of Lockhart Manor to find Elain, cold from the rain and holding a note from the High Lady of the Night Court demanding her to assist Lucien in building alliances with the human councils. Forced to work together by their exhausted High Lord and Lady, Elain is able to convince anyone to do anything, while Lucien has the acquaintances to go anywhere he likes. Together, they attempt to unite the fae and mortal lands and unravel the deal made between Koschei and Vassa, while Lucien remains haunted by his own promise to Elain’s father. ELUCIEN, POST-ACOSF

Pairings: Elain x Lucien, Elucien

Warnings: Mentions of sexual assault/abuse/rape + abusive families

A/N: I’ve added a tag list for those who wish to stay updated with this story! Just message me if you wish to be added <3

MY MASTERLIST

THIS FIC’S MASTERLIST

AO3

Chapter Nine: A Sight To See

Elain frowned down at the dress.

“I’m not sure if-”

“It’s perfect,” Nuala said firmly, glaring at her through the mirror. The surprisingly stubborn lesser fae was currently attempting to pin a handful of gemstones into Elain’s hair.

Elain just gave the fae a curt nod before looking back at herself.

Today was the day of the weekly meeting at Huckleberry Hall, i.e. Elain’s debut in the mortal realm as an emissary for not just the Night Court, but all the fae lands. How she’d gotten to this point in her life, she had no idea.

Yesterday she’d spent her time in the gardens chatting with Bartholomew, the Manor’s chief gardener. He was a sweet man that reminded her of her father, especially given all his travelling to the Continent and his collection of rare plant species in his greenhouse. He’d even promised her a few books on the matter and explained in great detail how plants can be useful for a number of things: healing, food, poisons.

He’d even pointed out the aphrodisiacs with a dopey grin, to which Elain had blushed furiously and moved quickly onto the exotic specimens.

She hadn’t seen Lucien that day.

Elain didn’t know why she was so aware of his absence given that she’d done just fine ignoring Lucien’s existence for two years. But yesterday, not seeing Lucien had thrown her balance off. When she was in the garden she kept looking up at the windows of the East Wing where his room supposedly resided. If only to catch a glimpse of red hair and a scarred face, just so she’d know he was okay.

Eventually, she’d turned in to the library to give one final assessment of her notes, and had spent the entire time trying to ask Nuala if Lucien was in the house without technically saying the words.

“Yes, that sounds good,” Nuala said without looking up.

“Yes, that sounds good,” Nuala said without looking up.

“Yes, that sounds good,” Nuala said without looking up.

“I…I don’t know what he does with his days.”

“Me neither,” Nuala shrugged.

“I haven’t seen him yet today…”

“Oh…shame…” From the glint in Nuala’s eye, Elain knew she had caught on to her not-so-subtle questioning.

“Yes…I wonder if he’ll be back later today.”

“Probably, considering he lives here.” Nuala was grinning now. And as Elain’s cheeks turned pink, she bit her tongue and stopped her questioning.

***

“Where did you even get this dress?”

“The Lady Morrigan gifted it to you before you left for the mortal lands, she was too late to say goodbye in person so she gave me the package.”

“Oh,” Elain nodded absent-mindedly. “How does Mor know my measurements?”

Nuala just grinned.

“Mor isn’t…talented in gift-giving, but she understands textiles like no other.”

Elain just nodded once more and shifted slightly upon dressing stand.

The dress was unlike anything Elain had ever worn before. The middle Archeron sister typically favoured dresses with full skirts and corseted bodices, all bedecked with lace, ribbon and silk, and paired with fresh flowers in her hair.

The dress she was wearing today just…wasn’t.

“Why am I wearing this again?”

“Because the mortals must understand that whilst High Fae and humans may look similar, you’re not. If you were to go in one of your standard dresses, the humans would see it as an attempt for you to ‘humanise’ yourself. Whilst common ground is important with the mortals, they must still understand that we are different. Do you see this fabric?”

Nuala took a finger and ran it along Elain’s covered shoulder, who nodded in response.

“This fabric is called Didache. It’s only found in the fae-lands, particularly the Autumn Court. It comes from the Dida-bugs of the Burning Caves who produce a fine silk-like fabric that is woven into sheets. It will remind the humans that we are different and yet-” Nuala grinned at her, “-beautiful.”

Elain blushed and nodded. The fabric was a deep forest green and yet, it moved like water. It seemed to always be shifting with the smallest of movements and sometimes, in the light, she could see not one but hundreds of shades of green flowing together, interspersed with threads of gold.

Mor’s ingenuity was shown in the choosing of this dress, as it both demonstrated a stylistic change between fae and mortal wear, and yet Elain was still able to maintain a comfortable modesty that would not outright alarm the humans.

The dress, unlike the flouncy human design, was a tight fit. It began high on her neck and covered her entire body, connecting to her hands via a tie on her middle finger. It cascaded down her body like a second skin, accentuating every dip and curve. Most strange of all was how it clung to her thighs (a sensation Elain was not yet used to) before the fabric flared ever so slightly at the knees and left a small trail of watery, emerald fabric to follow her as she walked.

It was simple, yet a statement.

Elain would’ve hated to wear such a tight dress if, well, she didn’t look so good. She’d been taught her whole life that covering up was natural for women and whilst she certainly wasn’t prepared to wear the kinds of dresses Feyre sported to the Court of Nightmares, this dress seemed to call for her.

“I think Mor had this prepared for you for some time,” Nuala said, pushing the final pin in. The hairstyle hailed from the Day Court Nuala explained as she had coiled Elain’s mass of hair on top of her head whilst leaving large strands to dangle down her shoulders. Brown bands were wrapped around her head and interwoven into her curls were dark green gems that glittered in the light and made it look as though her hair was made of starlight.

It was…beautiful.

“Thank you, Nuala,” Elain said quietly when her friend stepped back to survey her work.

“No problem,” Nuala smiled, “I know it’s not your usual dress, but you truly look like a Fae princess, perhaps even a High Lady.”

Elain reddened and surveyed herself once more in the mirror.

“The others are waiting for you at the stables,” Nuala said suddenly as shadows began to coil from her hair and she extended her hand to Elain.

After peering one more time at her notes on the table, Elain turned and glared at the female she saw in her reflection. With her hair pinned back, her pointed ears were on display, slightly pink at the tips from all her flushing. The dress, the hair, her dark eyes, the flawless skin – Elain was undeniably beautiful. And undeniably fae.

With a sigh, Elain turned and grasped Nuala’s hand before she could think too much about how she looked and all that had changed.

Even if she didn’t know how to play the part of fae, she might as well look it.

***

There was a small bustling crowd around the stables of Lockhart Manor. The stables were placed near the entrance to the woods and the small trail they would follow all the way to Huckleberry Hall.

Letting go of Nuala’s hand, Elain turned to survey the small crowd. There were stable boys and a few guards, and she could even peek Bartholomew speaking rapidly to a woman in a fine dress who was nodding along with interest, Jurian a few paces behind them, looking bored as ever.

No Lucien.

The thought shouldn’t have made Elain’s heart sink as it did. She’d been awake since sunrise, having breakfast in her chambers as Nuala began the prep work for getting her into the dress. And maybe as she watched herself slowly being transformed into a fae princess; she could only think of her mate’s reaction to seeing her in such an outfit.

Turning back around, Elain’s eyes once more fell on the gardener and the woman, now pointing down at the strawberry plants that lined the pathway. It took a few more moments of staring for Elain to realise that she was, in fact, looking at Queen Vassa.

Looking over her shoulder, Elain threw a stare at Nuala who only shrugged in response. Elain turned back. How was Vassa out? The sun was at a midpoint between East and Mid-day, she should be well past her transfiguration by now.

Sighing, Elain practised walking as she made her way over to the Queen. The dress was surprisingly practical, easier to move in than any of her corsets. Instead of restricting her movements, the fabric simply glided over her skin and moved with her, no doubt catching the light as it did and reflecting a thousand shades of green.

“Queen Vassa,” Elain greeted with a small curtsey.

The Queen turned from the gardener to nod at Elain, and Elain saw how Vassa’s eyes caught on her appearance, her eyes flicking up and down her body for a brief moment, her figure seeming to still.

“You look magnificent, Vassa,” Elain smiled, hoping that her compliment was seen as nothing other than a peace offering.

Vassa was sporting a traditional human queen’s gown. The colour was a deep gold with a panel of green and crimson embroidery running up the centre of the dress. There was a low tie hanging on the queen’s slender hips and a heavy crown upon her forehead. She was the image of strength and power, and next to her, Elain felt as though she looked like the evil-fae seductress.

“Forgive me if it’s a crude question but, how are you…”

”Here?” Vassa said drily, raising a brow. Elain forced herself not to flush with embarrassment and just nodded.

Vassa sighed as though she were bored and raised her hand. Elain was unsure what she was supposed to be looking at, there were two rings on her hand and a nice set of manicured nails but-

Then she realised. The ring on her fourth finger was made of black metal and was far too heavy and brutal to be worn by a Queen.

Looking at the ring, Elain felt something coil in her gut. Turning fae had attuned her senses to magic, and thrumming from that ring was a magic that smelt like sickness.

Suddenly, Elain felt herself drifting out of her body, able to look down on herself and Vassa. As she did, she had the distinct feeling of something falling into place.

”It’s a new addition.”

Jurian's voice snapped Elain back into her body with a small gasp. He was slowly stalking up to them, cutting into a fig with his knife as he moved with a predator-like grace. “It seems that Vassa’s keeper sent us a house-warming gift. He’s only two years late.”

“Jurian…” Vassa sighed tiredly, as though she’d had this conversation several times before.

”It seems like our death-Lord, from his lakeside manor, has decided to give our dear Queen the ability to see daylight.”

Elain could only glance between the two, barely able to keep up with their bantering. She was still feeling overwhelmingly nauseous and was trying to avoid looking at the ring directly.

”Don’t worry,” Vassa turned to Elain with a sneer, “I’m not fixed just yet. The ring comes with a cost. Each hour I put off my transformation adds 24 for later.”

”Why not leave it on?” Elain said in a quiet voice, still feeling the earth move underneath her.

”Oh yes, of course, I’m sure Koschei just skipped over that in his master plan,” Vassa snarked. Elain, to her own surprise, rolled her eyes.

“Well, hello princess,” Jurian spoke before Vassa could. He talked as though he hadn’t seen Elain before.

Elain’s skin couldn’t help but prickle as she watched his eyes lapping up her figure with a complete disregard for anything else.

“Jurian,” Elain nodded, trying to drag his eyes up to her own.

“What did we do to deserve this?” His eyes met hers with a wink and then, again, ever so slowly, Jurian’s eyes ran up Elain’s body, lingering slightly on the fabric that was straining over her bountiful chest before meeting her eye. Elain didn’t deem the comment with a retort.

“Leave her be Jurian,” Vassa rolled her eyes before turning to Elain with something that looked like a coy smile. “It’s fun to see them drool, isn’t it?”

Elain, to her surprise, found herself grinning widely and nodding. If she wasn’t mistaken, she and Vassa had just shared a pleasant interaction.

Today was full of surprises.

“And they say we’re the weaker sex.”

Vassa tipped her head back and laughed, and when Elain turned back to Jurian she found him watching the queen intently, something enigmatic in his stare.

“When you’re done with girl-talk, we really must get going,” Jurian rolled his shoulders. Even he appeared dressed in his finest, and Elain wondered just who it was that must’ve pinned him down to drag a comb through his scruffy hair, now flopping back from his, rather handsome, face.

“Last time I checked Jurian, I’m the Queen, I say when we leave.” Vassa pointed a look at the man who only seemed to smile wider at her retort.

“Of course, your majesty…” Jurian rolled the word around in his tongue, “When you’re ready, my queen, I’ll be waiting for you by the gate…possibly awake, possibly napping.”

And with that Jurian turned and strode away, the woman and the female watching his retreating figure strut across the pathway.

“Idiot,” Vassa cursed under her breath before turning back to Elain. “Lucien told me this morning he’ll be arranging your transport. Apparently, we’re not arriving together, Jurian and I will be one unit, you and Lucien another. Just so you know.”

As the Queen spoke her voice steadily grew colder and colder until she was back to how she usually was with Elain, her voice monotone and her eyes bored. Elain just gave a nod and that was enough for the Queen to deem the conversation over as she turned and followed Jurian down the path. As she moved, Elain couldn’t help but notice how she tipped her head back seemed to drink in the sunlight.

Elain was left standing in the middle of a small bustling crowd, many of the guards moving to follow their Queen and keep her safe. And so, Elain went back to her search for her mate.

After searching the crowd, she allowed her eyes to close and for her focus to turn within. It didn’t take long for her to find the bond, as soon as her eyes were shut it was there, glowing bright and gold, a single thread leading from her out ahead.

Angling herself, Elain followed the bond until she heard his heart, strong and steady, filling her ears like the most beautiful drum. Opening her eyes, she saw him.

Lucien was talking to a rather nervous stable boy and Elain was rather thankful for the small chance to ogle him without his awareness.

For one thing, Elain understood the stable boy’s nerves. Lucien looked…powerful.

He was wearing the finest of his fae attire, with fine brown boots and pants, a crisp shirt, a waistcoat and then a riding jacket. Across his chest was a bandolier with an assortment of eccentric knives, all sharpened to deadly perfection. On his hip were two swords, his autumn blade and another blade but made of gold. His hair was unleashed and cascaded down his shoulders and back, and his scar made his fierce expression even more lethal.

Two years ago, Elain would’ve been petrified at such a sight. It was a reminder that Lucien wasn’t her fae prince, that even though he had the makings of a perfect husband there was something darker and more alluring that hung around him.

He was a courtier, a disowned son, a silver-tongued fox. And Elain saw that everyone underestimated him, and that’s what made him most dangerous of all.

But while any fae prince might make Elain’s heart flutter, the sight of Lucien in his most professional, intimidating glory, roused some feeling deep within her gut. It was like her entire body turned electric, and the air between them seemed to crackle as the bond tightened.

Elain watched as Lucien’s brow furrowed and his hand reached surreptitiously to his ribs. Lucien’s eyes were no longer on the stable boy and his rambling, he was looking around – he was looking for her.

Elain saw the moment Lucien laid eyes on her. He stilled, the hand rubbing his ribs going stagnant.

The world seemed to fade away as Elain watched Lucien’s eyes take in her dress. He started by looking at the neck and then, at a tortuously slow pace, his eyes wandered down and down like Jurian.

But where Jurian’s gaze had made her tired and comfortable, Lucien’s seemed to set every nerve in her body alight.

She watched him as he watched her, and she could see him pause on certain parts. Taking in the first full display of her chest, the way the fabric ran seamlessly down her waist before flaring with her hips, and then again at her thighs.

Some part of Elain dared her to turn around, to show him how the dress barely fit over her behind, how the fabric seemed to stretch as it tried to contain the slopes and swells of her body.

She didn’t know where it had come from – but she didn’t want the voice to stop.

Then, Lucien’s eyes were reluctantly dragged upwards and just before they met eyes, Elain saw Lucien’s tongue dart between his lips to wet them. For some reason, Elain had the strongest urge to clench together her thighs.

Lucien moved forward like a predator stalking prey, with a lithe grace that was reminiscent of a snake.

Elain didn’t care for the rest of the world; she just saw him. Maybe it was not seeing him yesterday, but all Elain knew was that now he was nearby, she wasn’t taking her eyes off him for the foreseeable future.

Every step was torture. Every inch closer made the bond thrum and sing with delight.

Lucien came to a stop barely a foot away from her. There was a pause of silence.

“Elain,” His voice was low, gravelly, restrained.

“Lucien,” Elain’s own voice was breathy.

And then Lucien was bending down, leaning in close almost as though he were going to kiss her and Elain – Elain didn’t recoil. When Lucien’s face was inches from her own, his eyes searing into hers, she felt his palm slip into hers. His hand was warm and much, much larger than her own, and Elain felt raw electricity jolt through her at the contact.

With a deliberate, torturous slowness, Lucien raised Elain’s hand to his mouth and placed a single kiss on her knuckles.

Many men had kissed Elain’s hand before, from old to young, bachelors to fiancés. But it had never been like this.

Lucien’s lips on her knuckles was like a promise. It was just lips on the back of her hand – it was entirely inadequate, it was nothing – and that is what made Elain’s body sing.

Lucien’s eyes never left hers, and as he straightened, he didn’t let go of her hand.

“We’re planning on riding to Huckleberry,” Lucien’s voice sounded a bit clearer, but his eyes were still dark and glittering.

“Okay,” was all Elain could manage. But her body was in overdrive, her entire existence being concentrated into the feel of Lucien’s hand in hers. One small touch and she was consumed.

“Oh look! Lucien-” Jurian’s voice swam from somewhere off to the side.

“Vassa, Jurian, you best be headed off now, you don’t want to be late to miss the guards at the northern checkpoint,” Lucien spoke without looking away from Elain, and his voice was full of such a natural command that another pulse of heat ran through her.

Elain distantly heard as Vassa, Jurian and a few guards saddled up and trot out through the gardens into the forest. The world seemed to thin around them, stable boys returning to the Manor, even Nuala evaporated into the air, until all that was left was a grey-haired horse and Lucien, with his hand in Elain’s.

“I thought we might ride together, to present a united front. But if your uncomfortable there’s another horse in the stables saddled and ready to go.” Elain could’ve sworn that as Lucien spoke, his thumb ran across the back of her hand. “It’s also just a way of me making sure your safe.”

“Are you expecting there to be danger at the meeting?”

“No, very few even know of your arrival and the mortals are in too weak a position to attack a visiting fae. I just…for my own peace of mind.”

Remarkably, Lucien seemed bashful as he spoke, his eyes breaking from hers for a moment as he shifted on his feet.

“Oh…alright.” Elain smiled up at him, and it was a peace-offering. The world seemed to still for a moment as Lucien noticed, and his gaze lingered on her lips.

Then he was clearing his throat and turning to lead her to the saddled horse, but he didn’t release his hand, instead, he used it to tug her along, as though he were entirely reluctant to let go.

“The journey is significantly shorter on horseback; we should be there in around 15 minutes.”

Lucien eventually reluctantly let go of Elain’s hand as he hoisted himself up and onto the horse.

Elain could only watch. Watch as he set himself astride the saddle, watch how his thighs – how had Elain never notices his thighs before – clenched as he seated himself upright. Watch as he flicked his hair back over his shoulder, his muscles somehow flexing through the layers of his shirt and jacket. Watch as he extended his hand to her.

Elain frowned down at her dress as a thought struck her.

“Oh…I don’t think I’ll be able to ride anything in this dress.”

Elain felt rather than saw Lucien go still.

Looking up from the green fabric, she allowed herself to assess him. Lucien’s muscles seemed to be standing on end, his delicious thighs clenched so that the tendons stood to attention. His hands were fisted into the reigns and his knuckles had turned white with his grip.

Most intoxicating of all, was Lucien’s eyes. They were glazed over and distant, as though Lucien were thinking of something intently. Or rather, picturing.

And then Elain saw it.

It was from a distant perspective and the first thing she saw was Lucien, with his browning skin on display as he laid on his back across pale sheets. His beautifully muscled legs were exposed and tensed, his torso nothing but streamline muscles, his arms bare and glorious as they tightened as he gripped onto the figure astride him. He looked so…undone, with his red hair spilling across the sheets, his face furrowed, and his mouth parted with pleasure.

The female astride Elain’s mate had her head thrown back, her golden-brown curls bouncing along with her breasts as she bobbed wildly on top of him. Elain couldn’t hear them – couldn’t hear the moans that she saw rippling from her own mouth.

Then, the pace changed, instead of desperate jerky movements, Lucien and the female’s body slowed into an easy rhythm, each of their bodies rolling together with a trained precision. She could see Lucien’s mouth moving as he spoke breathily to the female, pulling her down so their foreheads touched. She watched as his eyes grew hungrier, how the rolling gave way to thrusting, how he took two fingers and pushed them into the female’s mouth and how she sucked enthusiastically before releasing them with a ‘pop’, how Lucien then dragged those two fingers down her body, slowly, before pushing them down to where they were joined and beginning to rub against her in slow, languid circles-

The horse grunted, and Elain jumped.

All of a sudden she came back into her body, it was as though someone had been holding her windpipe and abruptly let go. Her knees felt weak, her mouth dry, and for a moment, she could barely remember her own name, never mind where she was.

“We’ll winnow.”

Lucien was in front of her now, having gotten down off the mare whilst her mind was elsewhere. He was now fiddling with the buckles on the straddle before a stable boy took the reins.

Elain looked up at him dry-mouthed. Did he know what she’d just seen? Was she even…had there been a shift in her scent? Fear tinged with excitement plunged through her.

“You okay?” Lucien murmured; his eyes concerned as they roved over her face. It looked like he almost reached for her hand again.

Elain didn’t trust her voice and could only nod in response. Lucien seemed to assess her for another moment before he held out his arm, ever the courtier. The female looked out at the stables as she wrapped her hand around his bicep, trying to ignore how the muscles shifted and tensed under her fingertips.

“Right, well…let’s go.”

As Elain closed her eyes and held her breath to prepare for the twisting sensation of winnowing, she could on think of one thing.

Elain had just had a vision; she still had her powers.

#elucien #elain #elain archeron #elain x lucien #elain and lucien #elain/lucien #lucien #lucien vanserra #elucien fic #elucien fluff #lucien x elain #lucien and elain #lucien/elain #elain acotar #elain acomaf #elain acofas #elain acosf #elain acowar #acotar #fffaf