Person: Briar - Tumblr Posts
Tamlin watched Briar try to gather herself with a neutral, but not unkind expression settled onto his face. He was well known for his calm stoicism. Hopefully, she didn’t expect him to smile that often, or — by the cauldron — cry. Despite the commotion, it tugged at his heartstrings. He remembered the desperation that he’d felt when Rhysand had winnowed Feyre away on their wedding day. His entire world had split in two and so had his heart.
He flinched as a sharp pain in his chest reminded him that some wounds took lifetimes to heal. The physicians still monitored his heart and bid him to be wary of overexertion, particularly the emotional kind.
Tamlin bit his lip, tapping the pencil on his desk, as she didn’t use it. Could he find a way to allow Briar into the human lands? Generally, it was forbidden. If he made an exception for one…it had to be considered for the rest. She was not the only fae with family stuck outside their borders.
Those borders were warded, patrolled, and banned from winnowing for a reason. The last several wars had taken a terrible toll on Spring. After finally signing a treaty, the seven realms had agreed to take their time repairing their own lands with limited convoys and trading permitted to pass by their walls. Tamlin did not like living in a box anymore than he liked the idea of keeping his people confined to one. He liked even less the knowledge that there were people outside his gates suffering who needed their aid.
Yet, it had been barely a year. Tensions were high and the torsion which blew through his court was far from fully repaired.
He knit his fingers together and sighed deeply. “The treaty we signed is still tenuous, Lady Briar. Our position in Prythian’s politics walks a fine line between support and tolerance. An uprise from the humans would cost us more than we can give.”
Tamlin’s eyes were pained as he looked her way, tilting his head, and hoping that she would understand. He held the strings to a bridge that swayed with every breeze. Sending sentries trained in his art of masking was already dangerous. An ill-equipped, traumatized girl with volatile cauldron-born magic? He could forsee the consequences of that choice, easily.
“I am sorry.” His voice was raw, his apology genuine. “There is simply no way that I can let you cross the border without being flooded with a hundred similar requests for personal justice.”
Tamlin rubbed his temples as his daily headache returned with a vengeance. “In our current circumstances, that could lead to our collapse.”
He braced himself, preparing for her tears. He may not be able to offer his arms, but Tamlin slowly reached forwards and offered his hand to hold. “Caiden matters. They all matter.”
Her hands were soft, but the worn edges were covered in calluses — a fine demonstration of the hard life of work which he’d suspected. The soft warmth of her fingers around his own made him hesitate. His heart pulsed heavily in his chest. “But the best that I can do is entrust him to my special forces.”
That’s a lie. Tamlin thought. There is an exception.
Anyone was allowed to cross the border…provided he was with them. The chest pain returned and he withdrew his hand. He looked away and his expression hardened. “I hope you understand.”
Stone Walls & Sacrifice | Tamlin & Briar @springcourthighlady
Tamlin was more than ready to leave by the time he finished listening to Briar’s rant. He let her finish — he wasn’t that impolite. His brisk footsteps echoed across the marble flooring and he looked over his shoulder, hoping that he was not followed.
Yet, he was not that lucky. The prospects of desert with Lucien and Elain were slipping further away by the minute. Tamlin stilled when she called his name, pressing his lips into a thin line. Why won’t she go home? This is life, in Spring, right now. We’re all worried. We’re all frustrated. We all have family in need of aid. No one gets special privileges. Not even me —
He didn’t even have privacy anymore, or space to think. Though, when he glanced over his shoulder, he was relieved to find some regret in her eyes.
Only his friends called him by his first name. He wasn’t big on enforcing rank, but found it odd how casually she addressed him.
He pressed his tongue into the edge of his teeth, forbidding the quick retort which danced on the edge of his lips. I will not lose it. I cannot. They cannot see me as a beast.
He turned, stuffing his hands deeply into the pockets of his jacket, to hide how they’d tensed into fists. Running from his problems wasn’t effective, but neither was forcing himself into a corner until he lost his temper.
Tamlin saw her hand reach for him. He wanted to back away. It had been over two years since a woman had touched him, apart from Calanmai. He flinched, but did not move. He wasn’t sure he could.
She cares for me? I have met this female once.
Tamlin swallowed, gravely still. “I understand your attachment, Lady Briar. Yet, if you cannot trust me as High Lord of Spring, no plan I create to bring Caiden home will be enough for you.”
He stepped away, lowering his green eyes to the ground. “If you’ll excuse me, it has been a long day.”
Here they were again, looking at things from two solidly different perspectives. Tamlin withdrew his hand, stretching his fingers, unused to the way it felt to be touched by another person. She wasn’t crying. That was good enough for him.
He settled back in his chair, crossing his long legs at the ankle, and tossing a small crotched frog between his lithe hands. It was a stress ball. A gift from Lucien. As much as he squeezed it, Tamlin also enjoyed tossing it back and forth to help keep his body in motion while he thought.
Damn it all. Why does that have to make so much sense? Somehow, even with his years of experience, she found an angle that he hadn’t considered. The humans were wary of their children to disappearing. Legends of changelings still perpetuated their lands and froze their hearts. So far as they knew, Caiden was a small human boy.
His disappearance in the night wouldn’t be taken lightly. There were those humans who whispered of revolt, of retaking Spring. He knew the rumors.
Tamlin pressed his thumbs against his eyes. He felt bad to ring for a headache potion during their meeting, but he did not have a choice. The pretty lights flashing behind his eyes indicated the rapid approach of a migraine.
He stood and pulled a cord on the wall. Only a moment later, a maid knocked on the door. Tamlin greeted her with a respectful nod, “Lilia, if you could have one of my staff bring one of the headache potions from my room, I would appreciate that.”
He glanced at how Briar continued eyeing the pastries. “As well as a proper meal for Miss Briar and a basket of food for her take with her when she returns. She also needs a meeting with our head of staff.”
“Of course, My Lord.” Lilia curtseyed and stepped back outside.
Tamlin took a deep breath before again looking up at Briar. His head was spinning. “You are not wrong.”
It took a lot for him to admit that. “I can see that you have considered this with much care.”
He clicked his tongue, squeezing the little frog. “Yet, I still need time to speak to my sentries and consider the next best move.”
Tamlin ignored the continual pulse of pain in his head and neck, suppressing the expressions of it as much as he could, though he was not perfect. “I know it is agonizing, but I am asking for two days. Forty-eight hours.”
He opened the dumbwaiter when the bell rang and retrieved a soft blue vial from within, downing it in one shot. “In the mean time, perhaps you can get settled in the servant’s quarters and begin to find your place here.”
Stone Walls & Sacrifice | Tamlin & Briar @springcourthighlady
Tamlin was more than ready to leave by the time he finished listening to Briar’s rant. He let her finish — he wasn’t that impolite. His brisk footsteps echoed across the marble flooring and he looked over his shoulder, hoping that he was not followed.
Yet, he was not that lucky. The prospects of desert with Lucien and Elain were slipping further away by the minute. Tamlin stilled when she called his name, pressing his lips into a thin line. Why won’t she go home? This is life, in Spring, right now. We’re all worried. We’re all frustrated. We all have family in need of aid. No one gets special privileges. Not even me —
He didn’t even have privacy anymore, or space to think. Though, when he glanced over his shoulder, he was relieved to find some regret in her eyes.
Only his friends called him by his first name. He wasn’t big on enforcing rank, but found it odd how casually she addressed him.
He pressed his tongue into the edge of his teeth, forbidding the quick retort which danced on the edge of his lips. I will not lose it. I cannot. They cannot see me as a beast.
He turned, stuffing his hands deeply into the pockets of his jacket, to hide how they’d tensed into fists. Running from his problems wasn’t effective, but neither was forcing himself into a corner until he lost his temper.
Tamlin saw her hand reach for him. He wanted to back away. It had been over two years since a woman had touched him, apart from Calanmai. He flinched, but did not move. He wasn’t sure he could.
She cares for me? I have met this female once.
Tamlin swallowed, gravely still. “I understand your attachment, Lady Briar. Yet, if you cannot trust me as High Lord of Spring, no plan I create to bring Caiden home will be enough for you.”
He stepped away, lowering his green eyes to the ground. “If you’ll excuse me, it has been a long day.”
From A Distance | Tamlin & Briar @springcourthighlady
The following two days were sleepless for Tamlin. He spent his mornings buried in his duties and meeting his people to hear them out and provide solutions to their problems. His exhaustion almost revealed itself when he almost laughed aloud over two neighbors arguing over a pair of chickens who’d recently mated. Who owned the resulting chicks?
Mother bless him, if only his own problems were so simple as a pair of chickens in love. Tamlin stumbled back to his desk after court and downed his third headache potion within the last twelve hours. Four was the limit. Four would force any fae, no matter how strong, into sleep.
The blonde rubbed his eyes and reached for a cup of coffee, pouring it from the pot with shaky hands. For being so good at taking care of others, he was quite awful at taking care of himself. The third meeting with Briar was in three hours. He still had notes from the border patrol to review and respond to.
His vision was hazy as he tried to make sense of the swirly penmanship. He couldn’t. Tamlin’s eyes slowly closed and lay his head down on his desk. If I just close my eyes for a moment, just a single moment…
Tamlin closed his eyes as sleep took over the caffeine high. Despite his exhaustion, a desk was certainly not a bed. A soft knock on the door stirred him from his doze, but he was too tired to focus.
A soft thought pushed through his mind. Meeting. Briar. Wake up.
Tamlin grumbled, keeping his face buried in his arms. “Come in…”
It was a soft whisper in his mind. Rest. Tamlin felt another’s hands on his head. Being touched hurt and he instinctively pulled away, but it persisted. A slow wave of relief hit the pulsing veins in his head which protested the stress and lack of sleep which he’d subjected himself to in the last twenty-four hours. His pain crept away. The ache in his shoulders relaxed. The pressure around his head retreated.
For a while, his shoulders fell up and down in the rhythm of true sleep before he woke. As he raised his head, Tamlin saw Briar sitting in the chair across from his desk. His posture stiffened, an age old reflex, his cheeks turned from their warm tan to a soft pink, to a deep red. The tips of his ears also burned with embarrassment. His eyes widened. It was one thing for Lucien to find him asleep at his desk and quite another for one of his patrons to do the same.
“Lady Briar.” He coughed, quickly reaching for the glass of water on his desk. It was cold. It had been poured recently. “I am so sorry. I didn’t want to push you off, postpone the meeting, make you worry—”
I’m rambling. Why won’t my face choose a shade of red? Tamlin did the wise thing and clamped his mouth shut.
From A Distance | Tamlin & Briar @springcourthighlady
The following two days were sleepless for Tamlin. He spent his mornings buried in his duties and meeting his people to hear them out and provide solutions to their problems. His exhaustion almost revealed itself when he almost laughed aloud over two neighbors arguing over a pair of chickens who’d recently mated. Who owned the resulting chicks?
Mother bless him, if only his own problems were so simple as a pair of chickens in love. Tamlin stumbled back to his desk after court and downed his third headache potion within the last twelve hours. Four was the limit. Four would force any fae, no matter how strong, into sleep.
The blonde rubbed his eyes and reached for a cup of coffee, pouring it from the pot with shaky hands. For being so good at taking care of others, he was quite awful at taking care of himself. The third meeting with Briar was in three hours. He still had notes from the border patrol to review and respond to.
His vision was hazy as he tried to make sense of the swirly penmanship. He couldn’t. Tamlin’s eyes slowly closed and lay his head down on his desk. If I just close my eyes for a moment, just a single moment…
Tamlin closed his eyes as sleep took over the caffeine high. Despite his exhaustion, a desk was certainly not a bed. A soft knock on the door stirred him from his doze, but he was too tired to focus.
A soft thought pushed through his mind. Meeting. Briar. Wake up.
Tamlin grumbled, keeping his face buried in his arms. “Come in…”
Startled was not enough of a shock to describe how confused Tamlin was upon opening his eyes. By the cauldron, she is rambling too. That wasn’t odd though. It was quite clear that Briar did that a lot. Tamlin scrambled, trying to keep track of her words and decipher what had just happened. All he knew was that for a moment, he’d fallen asleep at his desk in severe pain and now he was standing up straight, pain free, and completely bewildered.
He didn’t even bother to take her word for the state of his hair. As soon as she said something, he knew it was true. He’d never been a peaceful sleeper and that often resulted in a terrible bed head in the mornings. The headaches did nothing to help. He said nothing, slowly drinking the water, and forcing his nerves to settle. The rapid beat of his heart, however, refused to slow. He reddened, pressing his lips into a firm line.
She sent her magic through my head. Through my mind — without permission. Tamlin squeezed his eyes shut. He hated the idea of being so vulnerable that someone had been able to slip past his mental guard. He wasn’t sick. Headaches and High Lords had a high rate of co-occurance.
“I…am fine. Thank you.” He said gruffly, as his expression shifted from shocked to stern. “But you should be careful about running magic through someone’s mind without asking. I may not like it, but I won’t punish you either. Be careful.”
Tamlin sighed, rolling up his sleeves and reaching for the papers which he’d set aside. “Good news or bad news first?”
From A Distance | Tamlin & Briar @springcourthighlady
The following two days were sleepless for Tamlin. He spent his mornings buried in his duties and meeting his people to hear them out and provide solutions to their problems. His exhaustion almost revealed itself when he almost laughed aloud over two neighbors arguing over a pair of chickens who’d recently mated. Who owned the resulting chicks?
Mother bless him, if only his own problems were so simple as a pair of chickens in love. Tamlin stumbled back to his desk after court and downed his third headache potion within the last twelve hours. Four was the limit. Four would force any fae, no matter how strong, into sleep.
The blonde rubbed his eyes and reached for a cup of coffee, pouring it from the pot with shaky hands. For being so good at taking care of others, he was quite awful at taking care of himself. The third meeting with Briar was in three hours. He still had notes from the border patrol to review and respond to.
His vision was hazy as he tried to make sense of the swirly penmanship. He couldn’t. Tamlin’s eyes slowly closed and lay his head down on his desk. If I just close my eyes for a moment, just a single moment…
Tamlin closed his eyes as sleep took over the caffeine high. Despite his exhaustion, a desk was certainly not a bed. A soft knock on the door stirred him from his doze, but he was too tired to focus.
A soft thought pushed through his mind. Meeting. Briar. Wake up.
Tamlin grumbled, keeping his face buried in his arms. “Come in…”
Tamlin blinked as Briar quickly began to apologize. It was so easy to forget that this young female hadn’t been raised knowing the rules of magic and understanding its boundaries and repercussions. He was certain she hadn’t meant any harm. He didn’t like to admit it, but it had helped. He had not meant to worry her, again, as his stern demeanor seemed to do so easily. She was easily discouraged. He did not want to be the one to make that stick.
Despite my efforts, people still seem to misunderstand me. Tamlin thought. She is kind and I ought to show her my gratitude.
Gratitude begins with sincerity and a smile. He remembered his etiquette lessons well. He hadn’t been much for talking as a little fae and the same was true now. Being forced into positions all day of socializing was part of what made his head pound. He wanted to be around people who could understand him without words.
Tamlin swallowed his pride, sending a quick wave of magic across his head to smooth his hair. “No — no. I did not mean it that way, Lady Briar. That was…very kind of you. I think it goes without saying that I have not had someone who cared enough to look out for me in an incredibly long time.”
“I know I come across as stoic, perhaps even stern; but it is not personal.” He made eye contact, sticking with sincerity, since a smile was out of reach. “It is simply how I get through my day without Lucien here to mitigate the tension of leading this court.”
“No matter what happened, I would not take away from you a warm place to sleep and enough food to live.” His green eyes softened. “I might be a bit rigid — here and there.”
His blush returned and he laughed, at himself, depreciatingly. Rigid, stern, stoic. How many more synonyms are there for stressed? “Or, everywhere, but I do swear to you that I always try to be honest and kind.”
She needs good news. Tamlin reached for his glasses from the desk drawer and put them on to read the notes from his sentries. “So, good news. They’ve found him. He is in good health, despite being a bit small for a boy his age. They arranged to leave him warm clothes and a soft toy Bee. To remind him of his Aunt Bee.”
He perused the rest of the letter and his brows tightened with worry.
Awkward. This is awkward. How am I supposed to tell her that the human lands have passed a new law outlawing the adoption of children into single parent households? Blunt does not work.
He needed to soften the news. Tamlin cleared his throat. “As for the other news, Lady Briar…have you, perhaps, considered your marriage prospects? Since entering Spring.”
From A Distance | Tamlin & Briar @springcourthighlady
The following two days were sleepless for Tamlin. He spent his mornings buried in his duties and meeting his people to hear them out and provide solutions to their problems. His exhaustion almost revealed itself when he almost laughed aloud over two neighbors arguing over a pair of chickens who’d recently mated. Who owned the resulting chicks?
Mother bless him, if only his own problems were so simple as a pair of chickens in love. Tamlin stumbled back to his desk after court and downed his third headache potion within the last twelve hours. Four was the limit. Four would force any fae, no matter how strong, into sleep.
The blonde rubbed his eyes and reached for a cup of coffee, pouring it from the pot with shaky hands. For being so good at taking care of others, he was quite awful at taking care of himself. The third meeting with Briar was in three hours. He still had notes from the border patrol to review and respond to.
His vision was hazy as he tried to make sense of the swirly penmanship. He couldn’t. Tamlin’s eyes slowly closed and lay his head down on his desk. If I just close my eyes for a moment, just a single moment…
Tamlin closed his eyes as sleep took over the caffeine high. Despite his exhaustion, a desk was certainly not a bed. A soft knock on the door stirred him from his doze, but he was too tired to focus.
A soft thought pushed through his mind. Meeting. Briar. Wake up.
Tamlin grumbled, keeping his face buried in his arms. “Come in…”
Briar’s words mostly went over his head as memories of a tragic wedding sullied his mind. Tamlin flinched, as the physical pain joined the surge of anxiety. He was fine. This was fine. Everything was fine.
“I am not terrified.” His eyes glinted, fiercely; though the way he squeezed his emotional support frog said differently. How did she read him like a book? He didn’t have to talk and she understood what he was feeling. He was terrified. That was terrifying. Not even Feyre had done that. Only ever Lucien — and he’d known Lucien for centuries.
“I would do the same for anyone else.” His tone was clipped and his eyes detached from her as his anger faded away in favor of genuine sadness. “I’ll meet you at dawn by the stables. Get some sleep tonight…you’ll need it.”
Tamlin looked down at his hand, where a slim band of gold once sat. Males only wore engagement rings by choice, but he had. He’d worn it for years past his love for Feyre crashed and burned. He raised his eyes to the door, indicating that she could go. “And Lady Briar? I am not a good man. Not the way you think. There are a hundred reasons why I have not taken a suitor in the last five years and a hundred more why I never will.”
He softened, if only slightly. “I just…wouldn’t want you to get attached — that’s all. Not to someone who can’t be taken.”
From A Distance | Tamlin & Briar @springcourthighlady
The following two days were sleepless for Tamlin. He spent his mornings buried in his duties and meeting his people to hear them out and provide solutions to their problems. His exhaustion almost revealed itself when he almost laughed aloud over two neighbors arguing over a pair of chickens who’d recently mated. Who owned the resulting chicks?
Mother bless him, if only his own problems were so simple as a pair of chickens in love. Tamlin stumbled back to his desk after court and downed his third headache potion within the last twelve hours. Four was the limit. Four would force any fae, no matter how strong, into sleep.
The blonde rubbed his eyes and reached for a cup of coffee, pouring it from the pot with shaky hands. For being so good at taking care of others, he was quite awful at taking care of himself. The third meeting with Briar was in three hours. He still had notes from the border patrol to review and respond to.
His vision was hazy as he tried to make sense of the swirly penmanship. He couldn’t. Tamlin’s eyes slowly closed and lay his head down on his desk. If I just close my eyes for a moment, just a single moment…
Tamlin closed his eyes as sleep took over the caffeine high. Despite his exhaustion, a desk was certainly not a bed. A soft knock on the door stirred him from his doze, but he was too tired to focus.
A soft thought pushed through his mind. Meeting. Briar. Wake up.
Tamlin grumbled, keeping his face buried in his arms. “Come in…”
Tamlin stood in stunned silence as Briar proceeded to take apart his statements, stubborn, but not selfish. She truly cared. He wasn’t going to scare her away. Something told him that she wasn’t going to be easy to escape. The kind of fire in her eyes when describing his worth was not something he’d seen more than a handful of times. He watched as she rung the bell for Lilia, almost as if it was her place to do; as if she belonged.
He watched her walk away and felt the cold haze of disappointment creep over him. What was he doing? What was he thinking? As passionate as she was — there was no way she was right. He didn’t believe that. He didn’t believe in himself, but she did.
Tamlin winnowed to his chambers, not looking back. Once there, he face planted on the bed, groaning. I am an idiot. What have I gotten myself into?
The soft scent of blueberries and vanilla greeted his nose as he lay against the pillows, still rumpled from the night before. His shoulders relaxed, instinctively; but the panicked urge to fight away rest remained. Tamlin pulled the pillow out from under his head and threw it to the opposite side of the room. It collided with a display of armor and sent it crashing into the ground.
The bed was cold. Lonely. A familiar ache surrounded him as he closed his eyes. This was where he belonged — away, apart, alone. Here, he couldn’t hurt anyone and no one could hurt him. His exhaustion won over his hunger and Tamlin curled up on the bed in the shade of the sun and closed his eyes.
She doesn’t know me. She can’t. I don’t want to be known. Alone…I want to be alone.
Why did it ache so much to lie?
From A Distance | Tamlin & Briar @springcourthighlady
The following two days were sleepless for Tamlin. He spent his mornings buried in his duties and meeting his people to hear them out and provide solutions to their problems. His exhaustion almost revealed itself when he almost laughed aloud over two neighbors arguing over a pair of chickens who’d recently mated. Who owned the resulting chicks?
Mother bless him, if only his own problems were so simple as a pair of chickens in love. Tamlin stumbled back to his desk after court and downed his third headache potion within the last twelve hours. Four was the limit. Four would force any fae, no matter how strong, into sleep.
The blonde rubbed his eyes and reached for a cup of coffee, pouring it from the pot with shaky hands. For being so good at taking care of others, he was quite awful at taking care of himself. The third meeting with Briar was in three hours. He still had notes from the border patrol to review and respond to.
His vision was hazy as he tried to make sense of the swirly penmanship. He couldn’t. Tamlin’s eyes slowly closed and lay his head down on his desk. If I just close my eyes for a moment, just a single moment…
Tamlin closed his eyes as sleep took over the caffeine high. Despite his exhaustion, a desk was certainly not a bed. A soft knock on the door stirred him from his doze, but he was too tired to focus.
A soft thought pushed through his mind. Meeting. Briar. Wake up.
Tamlin grumbled, keeping his face buried in his arms. “Come in…”
Tamlin was not a morning person. Waking up at the crack of dawn was less than ideal for the natural night owl. Even when he’d had enough sleep, he required at least two hours of solitude before feeling ready to speak to people in the mornings, but this morning he did not have a choice.
Sun glared through the curtains and Tamlin glared back. Birds chirped in the nearby trees and he listened to their conversations, overhearing the local gossip. The birds themselves were struggling with an early riser, Millie the Mourning Dove, who began singing at three am everyday.
A reluctant smile crept up Tamlin’s face as he listened to the social creatures chatter. He preceded them to people. He ditched his courtly duties and wandered out into the wild of Spring to find animals to talk to whenever possible.
Tamlin reached for his faithful riding boots and shoved his feet into them, summoning his necessary provisions from around his chambers with smooth movements of his hands, as if conducting an invisible orchestra. The things obeyed him and settled neatly into his saddle bags.
He strapped on his baldric and summoned his knives and other weapons from the void, surprised at how easily they appeared. Not long ago, simple magic like that had been quite a challenge.
Tamlin finished and marched briskly down the back stairway, past the kitchen, where he helped himself to breakfast and packed a loaf of bread and some fruit in a canvas bag. After filling his canteen, he was off to the stables to meet Briar.
He wished he had his mask, despite that the curse was over. He hated how vulnerable she made him feel. It was frustrating. It broke past his boundaries. The best thing he could do was keep quiet and hope this mission went smoothly. Once Caiden was rescued, he never had to speak to her again.
Tamlin silently led two horses out of the stables, remaining eerily calm.
Was she bouncing on her toes?
By the cauldron — where did she get all that energy?
He kept his head down and secured his saddle bags. “It’s a two day ride. I hope you like the quiet.”
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
“Winnowing is banned within forte miles of each border.” Tamlin said plainly. “The new treaty specified that. If we want to make contact with others, we go the long way. It reminds everyone involved that it takes effort to remain allies.” She’s never ridden a horse? She must be kidding. Tamlin looked over from where he was ready to mount. On top of everything else, I have to teach her how to ride?
The only other option was sharing his own steed and that was not happening. He’d rather walk. When she mentioned her lack of preparation, Tamlin gave her a good look up and down, assessing her size and summoned supplies from the void. It was cold, in the human lands, so he waved his hand and conjured a cloak over her shoulders.
“That should work.” He shrugged, ignoring her comment on his weapons. She had her independence, he understood that. If she desired to question him, that was her prerogative, but he didn’t have to answer everything. “Daisy is a gentle ride. Good for a beginner.” Tamlin ran his hand down the mane of the white mare. “Do you need help mounting up?”
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
Tamlin tilted his head, raising his eyebrows. He’d never moved people like chess pieces outside of a battle before. It tended to undermine their consent. Most didn’t enjoy being forcibly picked up by magic and pushed around.
Was that a joke? He wasn’t sure. He blinked twice. “Well — I was planning on teaching you how to mount yourself. I may not always be around to give you a magical boost into your steed, Lady.”
Confusion flickered in his eyes, momentarily; but didn’t win out. He knelt on one knee and motioned for her to place her foot there. “Step up. Don’t worry. You won’t hurt me.”
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
Tamlin had never wanted to be High Lord. He hadn’t asked for the magic to choose him or transform him. These were duties he’d not asked for and, often, burdens that felt far too heavy to carry alone. He remembered himself before his transformation and Briar was right — it had changed him physically, too. Overnight, his shoulders grew broader and his muscles stronger. Carrying the magic of an entire court requires a strong vessel, he supposed. But I miss when I was more than that.
He wanted to be seen for who he was and not who his power made him. Such jokes, despite their commonality, often made him uncomfortable. Tamlin looked away quietly.
She talked so much and so quickly that he was barely able to wrap his head around one sentence before there was another. It was easy for him to get distracted, not only by the long list of duties prevailing in his mind, but by the nature around them. He could hear them speaking: the birds, the winds, the trees.
His attention was recaptured when she mentioned the horse’s beauty. “Perhaps, with a bit of time, the two of you can become better acquainted.”
His voice was quiet, thoughtful, as he turned back towards his own saddlebags, preparing to mount. It was clear to see that the young lady was nervous. Tamlin wasn’t sure he knew what nervous felt like anymore. It had been a very long time since he’d had the space to feel it.
“I find it hard,” He said finally, and guided their mounts towards the woods. “To speak trivially. I struggle to understand your…jokes.”
Tamlin brushed his hair behind his pointed ear, looking her direction. “As I said before, I don’t let people in very easily, Lady Briar. More often than not, silence speaks so much louder than words.”
Quiet reigned for several more minutes. “I — am sorry, though, if I make you nervous.”
I am trying. Tamlin was trying so hard. This is why everyone leaves me. No one can hear what you can’t say.
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
Tamlin mounted, listening, as she spoke. He understood how much Caedin meant to her. As he'd said before, if Nyx was taken...he would have moved heaven and earth to bring him home. It didn't matter that they were not his sons. Not every son was gifted with a father. His had certainly not been a gift, but rather a burden. Perhaps, by stepping up for these little lost boys it healed a part of him which had been forced to grow up much too quickly. "Great things come in small packages. Every child deserves a home. It's up to the people around them to make that happen."
"It's alright." He nodded. "I am too quiet, so I suppose you can talk for the both of us, huh?"
He urged his own horse forwards and hers followed behind. He'd already given the mare instructions to make things easier for Briar. All she had to do was stay focused. "I don't call you Lady Briar out of concern for rank. It's a gesture. It shows my respect." The quiet between them as the rode through the first several miles of the woods was less uncomfortable now. It just existed, how he liked. However, he knew that he at least needed to try to answer her questions. Lucien may have been the one who handled the courtly small talk in the past, but he wasn't hopeless. He'd been taught etiquette and manners. "It takes me time, Lady Briar, to get to know someone. I appreciate my title for what it is and not what it gives me. I have dedicated my entire life to helping the people of this court. Being the High Lord is...a small symbol of that sacrifice."
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
Tamlin tilted his head at her mention of leaving behind the other orphans. He hadn't thought about that. How many were there? His detailed plan included taking one child and only one across the border. He glanced over at Briar to once again see her tearing up. His heart ached in his chest. Crying was his weakness. He wasn't good at hugs. He wasn't good with people, but Tamlin could not stand to see someone cry. His heart ached. "You don't have to be perfect, you know. I know that you're new to Prythian. Our laws and our culture are all completely new to you."
When she mentioned his dedication, Tamlin reddened and scratched the back of his head. He tried not to bring it up, but the truth was that he hadn't realized just how much Lucien did around his office before the papers began piling up and the knocks on the door turned from rare occurrences to constant interruptions. He'd made it to dinner only one night in the past week and ignored the plate which made it to his office twice. It had been constant and the Vanserra babe was still stubbornly awaiting her due date. He paused, taking in the new surroundings as the trees transitioned from lush oak to spiraling pine. The forest was strangely quiet. "I'm sure with some time, you'll manage to master your magic. There may not be many tutors available, but if you can read, I'm certain our library would have some books on the subject." Tamlin steadied his horse with a soft click of his tongue as they came to an open clearing. The sun was high in the sky and the animals needed a rest. "Are you hungry? I have apples."
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
Tamlin dismounted and tied the reins of his horse to a nearby tree trunk. Both animals trusted him completely and neither had reason to run, but the extra security was actually comforting to his old steed. He reached into his saddle bag and retrieved two apples, one red and one green.
"Red or green?" He asked, before tossing her the one she liked. He liked the green ones. They were just tart enough to wake him up a little. Being a chronic insomniac didn’t do much for his conversational skills either.
He munched on his apple, using a large fallen free branch as a balance beam. He scaled the changing heights easily, occasionally stopping to admire something further off in the woods. There was so much to listen to out here, despite the surface level silence. Tamlin’s ears twitched as he gathered the whispers of the wind and the giggling trill of a nearby brook. “I like the green ones, but that probably isn’t surprising. Green is my favorite color.”
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
Tamlin cringed when he saw Briar dismount the horse. Oof — how’d he not thought to help her was certainly a blemish on his reputation as a gentleman. He bit into his apple, swallowing, before he answered. “Nature may seem quiet, but to me it never stops.”
He jumped off the branch and ventured a bit further into the forest, waiting for her to follow, before finding an empty spot in the glade of trees. Tamlin knelt and pushed away the debris from the forest floor. Then, he dug his hand into the dirt, until it was wrist deep. He carefully took the core of the apple and twisted it into the ground, covering it again.
Tamlin removed his glove and pressed his bare palm against the ground, whispering something in high fae. Suddenly, a small sapling began emerging from the ground. Soft, green light spun from his finger tips, as the tree sprouted upwards.
He motioned her to step back as he removed his other glove and the warmth of the light spread from both his hands, encouraging the tree to grow. It stopped at his shoulders — tall, for an Apple tree — but not too tall.
He stepped back, admiring his handiwork with a critical brow. “Waste not, want not. From now on, any traveler who gets an ache in their belly while on this path can find something delicious to eat.”
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
If he shared all of his magic with the world, there would be none left for him. Tamlin knew that there were many more ways he could benefit Spring through his own powers. He did often call upon them, but also ensured it was done anonymously. The attention was exhausting and never ending. Still, he appreciated the genuine expression of happiness that Briar displayed at his simple trick of growth acceleration.
Joy? His brow wrinkled. Joyous was not a word that he’d use to describe himself. Tamlin shrugged, but accepted her own apple core, and duplicated the spell, this time taking a handful of apples from the branches.
“I like my privacy.” Tamlin quipped, turning, and heading back towards the horses. He was not sure what kind of magic Briar possessed, despite seeing it function twice. He’d seen her summon wind and relieve his headache. Those two gifts were seldom related and most born with gifts had one. He’d only ever been a shapeshifter until the Cauldron chose him as High Lord.
Briar’s existence must place her somewhere in the middle. He aided her in mounting and mounted himself, as they started up again, quickly losing himself in thought for the next five minutes. Cauldron magic is unpredictable. She will need to be trained.
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
“Thank you.” Tamlin smiled politely as they continued down the path. They needed to make the next ten miles before dark. It required some extra concentration on his part, as he was leading both horses. He kept his eyes on the path and his ears on the alert for any potential predators.
The woods remained calm and he remained uneasy. There was something off and he could feel it. The High Lord rubbed his temples and slowed the horses from a brisk canter to a quick trot. Was he imagining things? The last time he’d taken this exact path had been the time he discovered Andras’ body. It’s just my imagination. He told himself. I’m just overreacting.
For once, he was thankful the next time her voice broke the silence. He needed a distraction — badly.
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
Wolves liked to play in these parts of the woods as evening rose. When he heard the sound of them baying in the distance, he abruptly stopped both horses and held a finger to his lips, to ask for quiet. Tamlin grouped their horses closer together and placed a reassuring, warm hand on her shoulder as he noticed her eyes spark with fear. The last thing they needed was unpredictable magic thrown into an unpredictable situation. He was powerful enough to censor her magical meltdowns, but it required them to be touching. He nodded, eyes focused on the horizon, slipping his glove off his right hand and keeping it on her shoulder. He hadn’t needed to do this in several years. Hopefully, it felt calming, not suffocating. The last time he’d tried to calm cauldron magic, it hadn’t gone well.
“Very well.” He said quietly. His baldric reappeared against his chest and he silently drew his bow from the quiver, notching it in his left hand. Shooting one handed wasn’t a problem. Controlling the horses, two streams of magic and answering questions while playing guard was going to get difficult — but Tamlin liked a challenge. “Ask away.”
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
What was with human girls learning archery and ending up Prythian? Tamlin’s expression likely expressed the sheer oddity that he felt at the coincidence, but he nodded, reluctantly. He always had a spare bow in his quiver. It was slimmer and couldn’t let loose anything at the speed of his own, but it was functional. Feyre had learned to make it dangerous. He winced and slowly offered it to Briar.
Don’t be an idiot. The only reason you still carry that is purely sentimental. Survival over sentimentality any time, Tam. Anytime.
He had to let go of her shoulder to allow her the use of a weapon. Not everyone could shoot upside down, backwards, or one handed. He hadn’t been able to at her age.
“Thanks.” He said numbly. Somehow, his quiver felt lighter without it, yet seeing another girl bearing it was far from easy.
They slowly advanced through the woods and Tamlin replaced his glove as silence reigned again. Darkness was falling. The howling of the wolves grew further and further away. “We’ve lost some ground, but we should make camp soon. Traveling in the dark won’t do any good.”
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.