Person: Briar - Tumblr Posts - Page 2

“It’s…nothing.” Tamlin’s voice sounded far away when he spoke, guiding the horses to a slow stop in a nearby clearing, and began silently conjuring a campsite from midair. With a swipe of his hand, two tents appeared around a glowing fire pit. He took provisions from the linen sack that he’d packed that morning and left the rest for her on a small tin plate outside her tent.

He chose a spot near the fire and quietly began his meal, remembering that his next five minutes of quiet were being bought by two questions. Possibly three, since she’d only asked for a weapon the first time. He’d nearly forgotten the spare bow was there. It had been a long a month or two since he’d cleaned and repaired his quiver and a lot could change in that amount of time, including his resolution to stay away from his ex and everything to do with her. It was often like she still haunted him, as the distant howls of the wolves did the woods.

Feyre. He cursed under his breath. He would of let the world burn for her. He nearly did. Briar was one of the casualties of that war. She’d lost her entire family, her humanity. He owed her. Love was for fools and he was not a fool.

Tamlin swallowed his food and then stared into the fire, watching images of his life flash before him in his mind. As the wrong ones did, the High Lord flinched, standing, and taking his weaponry. “Stay here. Eat. I’m going for a walk around the perimeter to make sure none of those beasts have strayed from their pack.”

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 stepped outside the boundary of the camp, eyes focused on the woods. The blurry of the trees on the horizon screamed freedom and every step he took towards it gave him a rush of relief to step away from the responsibility of carrying more strangers on his back. Yet, this wasn’t something he got to choose. Even when his soul urged him to run, his heart forbid him to take another step. He clenched his fists at his side and ground his teeth, dropping his weapons to the side as her soft whimper threatened to overwhelm the current of unstable magic within her.

He jumped back, ripping his gloves off with his teeth, and wrapping his arms around her in a firm embrace just before a bright flash of blue light flooded from her body. The pulse of energy flooded through his abdomen as he absorbed it. It was strong magic, yet a flicker against his own. A glimmering, tickling flutter. As soon as it was over, Tamlin dropped his arms, stepping back as if he’d been standing on an anthill.

“By the cauldron, Briar Rose!” He rapidly shook his arms, like a puppet released from its chains. “You…are a tickle monster.”

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 stepped back, brushing off his clothes, and swiping at the invisible tickles, but when he looked back up she wasn’t laughing. Oh no — his heart fell into his boots. Why did I say that?

Briar wasn’t a monster. Cowering in front of him, she looked much more like a wounded animal or scared child. He bent to his knees, reaching down, and placing his hand on her cheek. “Take a deep breath. It’s okay.”

He remembered the days not long ago when his own magic had been linked to his emotions. He had hurt people — people he loved. His hands felt cold and story dropped back by his sides. “You aren’t a monster, Briar. I shouldn’t have said that. I was wrong.”

He reached to the ground where her food had rolled from the plate and onto the dirt and carefully picked it up, wiping it clean on his shirt. It wasn’t perfect, but food was meant for sustenance, not staring. “It tickled, just a little. That’s all. I’m not…I don’t like being tickled.”

He took a red apple from his pocket and placed it on a nearby rock, slicing into it with one of his claws, and offering her a piece. “I understand that it feels like an avalanche, but your power is not a burden. You can be taught. You are far from hopeless, my lady.”

“I know many who…have needed a much heavier hand to survive their transformation. You’re doing just fine. Believe 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 sat back on the cold ground and listened as Briar explained her emotions and their story. He wasn’t much for small talk, but he was a good ear and he understood what it was like to be in pain. Lucien had been his crutch for many years. Now, all he had was himself. Often, it felt like walking on an injured limb. His body ached and his voice was tired. He couldn’t sleep, so his mind remained foggy throughout the day. He wanted to give Lucien time — a break, even, from being his caretaker. He was about to become a father, after all. He had enough on his hands.

Tamlin rested his elbows on his knees and shrugged. “I get it — I suppose. The nightmares. They aren’t easy to dodge once they start. Sometimes it takes months.”

At least his company wasn’t as much of a pain as he thought, Tamlin sighed. Comforting was not a word people had used to describe him in the last. Strong? Steady? Sure. Comforting requires vulnerability and he was not comfortable being so.

“I have a sense of responsibility.” He acknowledged. “The war with Hybern was not easier for my place in it. I will be working for the rest of my life to restore Spring to what it once was, under my mother’s graceful leadership. What happened to you was a result of my own ambition to restore something I can never have.”

His eyes glazed in the dark, equally bold and uncertain. “Perhaps if I’d been content to let things go, it never would have been necessary. Perhaps, you’d still be human.”

A ghost of a smile echoed on his face before fading into the night air. “I will be in my tent if you need anything, Lady Briar. Try to get some rest. We have an active ride ahead of us tomorrow.”

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 stopped listening halfway through Briar’s spiel about his heroism. He appreciated the gesture, he did, but being told he was heroic when the only thought on his mind had been bringing Feyre home was humiliating. It was genuinely the least he could do, wasn’t it? He’d moved fire and earth for her and so many people had been hurt in the process. At least Briar was still alive. There were plenty of others whom he’d buried. Sometimes, he didn’t think others understood just how many friends he’d buried, just how much love he’d left behind, but just how little he had left to lose. 

Tamlin let her trail behind him, but kept his footsteps brisk in the underbrush. He kept his eyes trained in front of him, watching for stray animals. He didn’t like hunting, nor killing; but he needed to consider the fact that in two days time they would be returning on this path with a child in tow. 

He could tell she was having a hard time without being told. He wasn’t blind, but sometimes he did like to close his eyes. The darkness beneath them was more comfortable than the darkness around him. Her stubborn words and continual defense of his character were the daylight glaring as he woke. It was uncomfortable and all he knew to do was shut his mouth and look away. 

The loop around the campsite was brief, but Tamlin kept it that way for her sake. He would have waited hours in the woods if he’d known she would fall asleep on her own. He wasn’t likely to sleep, either; but he wasn’t going to baby her. She was an adult woman who was about to adopt a child. Night terrors existed and Briar would have to find a way through hers without holding his hand. 

He paced back to camp in complete silence, cutting her off. His refusal to communicate under pressure wasn’t healthy and he knew that, but that didn’t make him want to change it. Tamlin carefully held open the flap of her tent and jerked his head towards the cot and lantern waiting inside. “Dawn will be here before we know it.” 

He began stalking back to his own tent, a few paces away, but did something foolish first and looked over his shoulder. She stood shivering in the cold, despite the warm cloak he’d made her. It isn’t truly cold. She’s…just afraid. 

He flinched and reached into his pocket, holding out a small bottle of remedy for his own night terrors. It was more important that she rest. She was the only one who knew what kid they were looking for, after all. Tamlin nodded, hesitantly. “Here. It helps.”

As for him? He’d survive. He always did. He was five hundred years older than her and there were very few demons of the night that he hadn’t already fought. “Do try to sleep. Long day ahead tomorrow.”

Treacherous | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring

"Tamlin, wait--", she calls out softly as he heads toward his tent. She scrambles to her feet and rubs her arms a bit, picking up her cloak from where it fell on the ground.

"I don't ever want you to blame yourself for what happened to me. Lilly and me and the rest of The Blessed...we planned that trek. We went in the middle of the night. We climbed up the wall. It was our own actions that got us spotted by Hybern. Campfires and laughter...joy. We foolishly made ourselves targets. Regardless of anything happening on your side. He took us. He jailed us. He tortured us. And he used the Cauldron and killed us. Not you."

Taking a few steps closer, she raises her chin to meet his gaze. "You had nothing to do with that. You are a protector and a leader, and you would never let that happen to anyone if you could prevent it. When I was the last one left, shaking in that cell from shock and blood loss...you didn't walk by." She swallows hard. "You didn't...gawk or enjoy the sight of my pain or my ripped scraps of clothing. He could have killed you if he found out you were a plant and not an ally. And you still risked taking away my pain. So I don't ever want to hear you blaming yourself for what I went through. Okay? Promise me."

She holds his gaze, unwaveringly. "You did not condemn me. You are my savior. And one day...perhaps my friend. I didn't really have any stock in being human either. Both ways...my mom and my friends are dead. Lilly is dead", she says quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I leaned on her too much in my grief when I lost my mother. She became my next everything, her and Caedin when he was born. I even helped deliver him, actually. And even though we had other friends...we were the closest. Like sisters, as I mentioned. Family by choice, not blood."

She sighs sadly. "I suppose now I have an eternity to maybe befriend others and attempt to try and live with myself. Being the one that lived, when she should be here to raise her son...the way he lost them both...", her throat bobs. "I'll make sure he has everything and knows about her...how much she loved him and wanted this amazing life for him. And I-I'll give him that. However I can. At least, if I can make it through the night here."

Her eyes shutter. "Hybern snatched us in our tents. In the forest. At night. So I... I'm having a really hard time right now. My brain knows he's dead. Obviously. But my body and my magic doesnt get the message that I'm safe, so...it's in total breakdown mode," she scoffs as she tries to hold back tears. "I will do my very best to stay quiet for you. So at least one of us can sleep."

Tamlin tried desperately to anchor himself to the present moment as the terrible dreams of everyone he loved being ripped from his arms emerged from his slumber to stab his heart once again. His shoulders shook in a cold sweat and the haze of sleep lingered over his muscular form, keeping him halfway inside the moment of Eiley’s death. His hands were slick with sweat and he stared down at them in horror, trying to mitigate the flashing images of blood flowing across his palms.

Briar ducked into his tent and Tamlin did not respond right away. His wide eyes stared into the open darkness as he began to hyperventilate. Brown hair, light eyes — he shoved the knife aside, pounding his head into his fists. “Dead. Dead. Dead! You are dead!”

Tamlin inched away, clearly both drawn towards and frightened of her presence. He squeezed his arms around his limbs, going utterly still. His muscles twitched with the energy that flooded them, but his willpower met adrenaline and he refused to look weak.

Treacherous | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring

"Tamlin, wait--", she calls out softly as he heads toward his tent. She scrambles to her feet and rubs her arms a bit, picking up her cloak from where it fell on the ground.

"I don't ever want you to blame yourself for what happened to me. Lilly and me and the rest of The Blessed...we planned that trek. We went in the middle of the night. We climbed up the wall. It was our own actions that got us spotted by Hybern. Campfires and laughter...joy. We foolishly made ourselves targets. Regardless of anything happening on your side. He took us. He jailed us. He tortured us. And he used the Cauldron and killed us. Not you."

Taking a few steps closer, she raises her chin to meet his gaze. "You had nothing to do with that. You are a protector and a leader, and you would never let that happen to anyone if you could prevent it. When I was the last one left, shaking in that cell from shock and blood loss...you didn't walk by." She swallows hard. "You didn't...gawk or enjoy the sight of my pain or my ripped scraps of clothing. He could have killed you if he found out you were a plant and not an ally. And you still risked taking away my pain. So I don't ever want to hear you blaming yourself for what I went through. Okay? Promise me."

She holds his gaze, unwaveringly. "You did not condemn me. You are my savior. And one day...perhaps my friend. I didn't really have any stock in being human either. Both ways...my mom and my friends are dead. Lilly is dead", she says quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I leaned on her too much in my grief when I lost my mother. She became my next everything, her and Caedin when he was born. I even helped deliver him, actually. And even though we had other friends...we were the closest. Like sisters, as I mentioned. Family by choice, not blood."

She sighs sadly. "I suppose now I have an eternity to maybe befriend others and attempt to try and live with myself. Being the one that lived, when she should be here to raise her son...the way he lost them both...", her throat bobs. "I'll make sure he has everything and knows about her...how much she loved him and wanted this amazing life for him. And I-I'll give him that. However I can. At least, if I can make it through the night here."

Her eyes shutter. "Hybern snatched us in our tents. In the forest. At night. So I... I'm having a really hard time right now. My brain knows he's dead. Obviously. But my body and my magic doesnt get the message that I'm safe, so...it's in total breakdown mode," she scoffs as she tries to hold back tears. "I will do my very best to stay quiet for you. So at least one of us can sleep."

Comfort. Briar grabbed his hands and Tamlin felt a surge of warmth fill him. It was like draining a cup of tea to its dregs on a cold night, or a hug from the distant past. It was something he did not feel often and had never felt in Eiley’s presence. Everything in that had revolved around her needs and her desires and he remembered struggling to keep his head above water, just to please her. He tried to force words from his mouth, but could not speak. His eyes frantically fell on the lavender one and he nodded rapidly.

Only ever Lucien had seen him in such a state before. Tamlin’s hands were quivering as he accepted the tiny vial and downed it in one shot. Normally, it felt soothing within seconds. When nothing happened, his eyes darted up to her face, somehow so calm and gentle in the midst of his terror. It’s…not working.

He folded in on himself, again, squeezing the plush toy between his hands with no mercy. His magic was at risk too. If her magical panic had been strong, his could level ground. She needed to get away from him. He remembered watching windows shatter in the manor on nights like this. He shooed her away with a reluctant push of his foot against her leg. Yet, she didn’t leave.

When his bare foot hit her knee, Tamlin felt the flood of relief from his tonic finally set in. His shoulders relaxed and he fell forwards, leaning his head on her lap. She should go. This isn’t over. She should go.

Tamlin inhaled and exhaled with a slow shudder, pressing his eyes closed as the realization that he could not speak set in.

If they hadn’t struggled to communicate when he could talk, unwillingly, what would she think now?

Treacherous | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring

"Tamlin, wait--", she calls out softly as he heads toward his tent. She scrambles to her feet and rubs her arms a bit, picking up her cloak from where it fell on the ground.

"I don't ever want you to blame yourself for what happened to me. Lilly and me and the rest of The Blessed...we planned that trek. We went in the middle of the night. We climbed up the wall. It was our own actions that got us spotted by Hybern. Campfires and laughter...joy. We foolishly made ourselves targets. Regardless of anything happening on your side. He took us. He jailed us. He tortured us. And he used the Cauldron and killed us. Not you."

Taking a few steps closer, she raises her chin to meet his gaze. "You had nothing to do with that. You are a protector and a leader, and you would never let that happen to anyone if you could prevent it. When I was the last one left, shaking in that cell from shock and blood loss...you didn't walk by." She swallows hard. "You didn't...gawk or enjoy the sight of my pain or my ripped scraps of clothing. He could have killed you if he found out you were a plant and not an ally. And you still risked taking away my pain. So I don't ever want to hear you blaming yourself for what I went through. Okay? Promise me."

She holds his gaze, unwaveringly. "You did not condemn me. You are my savior. And one day...perhaps my friend. I didn't really have any stock in being human either. Both ways...my mom and my friends are dead. Lilly is dead", she says quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I leaned on her too much in my grief when I lost my mother. She became my next everything, her and Caedin when he was born. I even helped deliver him, actually. And even though we had other friends...we were the closest. Like sisters, as I mentioned. Family by choice, not blood."

She sighs sadly. "I suppose now I have an eternity to maybe befriend others and attempt to try and live with myself. Being the one that lived, when she should be here to raise her son...the way he lost them both...", her throat bobs. "I'll make sure he has everything and knows about her...how much she loved him and wanted this amazing life for him. And I-I'll give him that. However I can. At least, if I can make it through the night here."

Her eyes shutter. "Hybern snatched us in our tents. In the forest. At night. So I... I'm having a really hard time right now. My brain knows he's dead. Obviously. But my body and my magic doesnt get the message that I'm safe, so...it's in total breakdown mode," she scoffs as she tries to hold back tears. "I will do my very best to stay quiet for you. So at least one of us can sleep."

Briar’s song carried Tamlin backward in time to a place before the nightmares he’d always known became filled with familiar faces — a place filled with the warm and soothing light of his mother and her own lullabies. The soft massage of his head drew a heavy sigh from his shoulders. Her touch was so warm, so comforting. The anxiety tonic slowly worked its way into his system and Tamlin reluctantly opened his eyes. It was pitch black and the howling of the wind indicated an approaching rain storm. He moved away from Briar, growing chilly as he did, and wrapped his cloak more firmly around his shoulders. What now? Why now?

It had been a few months since his last nightmare this bad. Lucien had found him in the middle, instinctively drawn towards his best friend. Briar seemed oddly the same, despite knowing him for such a short time. It was both unnerving and relieving.

As the panic relented, Tamlin conjured small orbs of light into his palm and spread them back and forth in the air until they were shaped like animals — birds specifically. It was one of the first types of shifting magic he’d ever seen. His normally bright eyes stained dim and distant as he watched the lights pulse around the room. He wished he could say something. Anything.

Anything was better than nothing. He was a man of few words, but having them taken away was disheartening, every single time.

Treacherous | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring

"Tamlin, wait--", she calls out softly as he heads toward his tent. She scrambles to her feet and rubs her arms a bit, picking up her cloak from where it fell on the ground.

"I don't ever want you to blame yourself for what happened to me. Lilly and me and the rest of The Blessed...we planned that trek. We went in the middle of the night. We climbed up the wall. It was our own actions that got us spotted by Hybern. Campfires and laughter...joy. We foolishly made ourselves targets. Regardless of anything happening on your side. He took us. He jailed us. He tortured us. And he used the Cauldron and killed us. Not you."

Taking a few steps closer, she raises her chin to meet his gaze. "You had nothing to do with that. You are a protector and a leader, and you would never let that happen to anyone if you could prevent it. When I was the last one left, shaking in that cell from shock and blood loss...you didn't walk by." She swallows hard. "You didn't...gawk or enjoy the sight of my pain or my ripped scraps of clothing. He could have killed you if he found out you were a plant and not an ally. And you still risked taking away my pain. So I don't ever want to hear you blaming yourself for what I went through. Okay? Promise me."

She holds his gaze, unwaveringly. "You did not condemn me. You are my savior. And one day...perhaps my friend. I didn't really have any stock in being human either. Both ways...my mom and my friends are dead. Lilly is dead", she says quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I leaned on her too much in my grief when I lost my mother. She became my next everything, her and Caedin when he was born. I even helped deliver him, actually. And even though we had other friends...we were the closest. Like sisters, as I mentioned. Family by choice, not blood."

She sighs sadly. "I suppose now I have an eternity to maybe befriend others and attempt to try and live with myself. Being the one that lived, when she should be here to raise her son...the way he lost them both...", her throat bobs. "I'll make sure he has everything and knows about her...how much she loved him and wanted this amazing life for him. And I-I'll give him that. However I can. At least, if I can make it through the night here."

Her eyes shutter. "Hybern snatched us in our tents. In the forest. At night. So I... I'm having a really hard time right now. My brain knows he's dead. Obviously. But my body and my magic doesnt get the message that I'm safe, so...it's in total breakdown mode," she scoffs as she tries to hold back tears. "I will do my very best to stay quiet for you. So at least one of us can sleep."

Burns and scars on her back? Like Lucien? Tamlin’s dazed eyes drifted over Briar as she spoke and he listened. Did he want her to go? He felt like he should. These feelings and thoughts were private. They weren’t things he shared with anyone, even his best friend. Yet, the idea of being alone sounded terrifying. Tamlin’s birds flickered as his discomfort rose. He shook his head rapidly, shoulders tense. It was painful, just how much he knew that he couldn’t do this alone. In response, one of his little birds flew towards the opening of the tent and flapped its wings, forcing the flaps closed. A stubborn expression settled on his handsome face as he questioned if his needs were too much.

They were too much for him. He wouldn’t blame her if she ran.

Treacherous | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring

"Tamlin, wait--", she calls out softly as he heads toward his tent. She scrambles to her feet and rubs her arms a bit, picking up her cloak from where it fell on the ground.

"I don't ever want you to blame yourself for what happened to me. Lilly and me and the rest of The Blessed...we planned that trek. We went in the middle of the night. We climbed up the wall. It was our own actions that got us spotted by Hybern. Campfires and laughter...joy. We foolishly made ourselves targets. Regardless of anything happening on your side. He took us. He jailed us. He tortured us. And he used the Cauldron and killed us. Not you."

Taking a few steps closer, she raises her chin to meet his gaze. "You had nothing to do with that. You are a protector and a leader, and you would never let that happen to anyone if you could prevent it. When I was the last one left, shaking in that cell from shock and blood loss...you didn't walk by." She swallows hard. "You didn't...gawk or enjoy the sight of my pain or my ripped scraps of clothing. He could have killed you if he found out you were a plant and not an ally. And you still risked taking away my pain. So I don't ever want to hear you blaming yourself for what I went through. Okay? Promise me."

She holds his gaze, unwaveringly. "You did not condemn me. You are my savior. And one day...perhaps my friend. I didn't really have any stock in being human either. Both ways...my mom and my friends are dead. Lilly is dead", she says quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I leaned on her too much in my grief when I lost my mother. She became my next everything, her and Caedin when he was born. I even helped deliver him, actually. And even though we had other friends...we were the closest. Like sisters, as I mentioned. Family by choice, not blood."

She sighs sadly. "I suppose now I have an eternity to maybe befriend others and attempt to try and live with myself. Being the one that lived, when she should be here to raise her son...the way he lost them both...", her throat bobs. "I'll make sure he has everything and knows about her...how much she loved him and wanted this amazing life for him. And I-I'll give him that. However I can. At least, if I can make it through the night here."

Her eyes shutter. "Hybern snatched us in our tents. In the forest. At night. So I... I'm having a really hard time right now. My brain knows he's dead. Obviously. But my body and my magic doesnt get the message that I'm safe, so...it's in total breakdown mode," she scoffs as she tries to hold back tears. "I will do my very best to stay quiet for you. So at least one of us can sleep."

Questions — where he didn’t have to talk. Tamlin tilted his head and offered to share his cloak as Briar lay down next to him. She looked cold. He would have usually been more prepared and made sure the camp supplies which he’d taken for the night had been prepared for the weather, but venturing out on his own with her hadn’t been easy. Doubtless, by the time they reached Spring again, rumors would again be circulating. Anytime he did anything with a young female, people began to talk. He never caught a break. Hopefully, Briar could withstand the questions and doubts of his curious court.

Tamlin listened and his light first transformed into a duck. His eyes lit up, cautiously, as he shared these private things with her. Would she like them? Would she tell the world? Could he trust her?

The duck flashed away and a scene of beavers playing and diving around a pond and dam slowly filled the space between his hands. As he conducted the small beams of light back and forth, the playful splash of water echoed and the call of birds rang through the air around them. He used one slender hand like an easel, to support the floating image, and the other like a brush to continue painting colors into the sky.

After a moment, the laughter of a small child rushed around them as a little boy ran into the picture, like a painting come to life, and he carried forward the image of the Lake House that he’d often stayed in with his mother as a child.

He wiped the image away with his right hand and it disappeared like smoke. A much more colorful, clear picture of vanilla ice cream with honey and wild blueberries popped into view. Despite the haze around him, the corner of his mouth inched up ever so slightly before everything disappeared.

Treacherous | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring

"Tamlin, wait--", she calls out softly as he heads toward his tent. She scrambles to her feet and rubs her arms a bit, picking up her cloak from where it fell on the ground.

"I don't ever want you to blame yourself for what happened to me. Lilly and me and the rest of The Blessed...we planned that trek. We went in the middle of the night. We climbed up the wall. It was our own actions that got us spotted by Hybern. Campfires and laughter...joy. We foolishly made ourselves targets. Regardless of anything happening on your side. He took us. He jailed us. He tortured us. And he used the Cauldron and killed us. Not you."

Taking a few steps closer, she raises her chin to meet his gaze. "You had nothing to do with that. You are a protector and a leader, and you would never let that happen to anyone if you could prevent it. When I was the last one left, shaking in that cell from shock and blood loss...you didn't walk by." She swallows hard. "You didn't...gawk or enjoy the sight of my pain or my ripped scraps of clothing. He could have killed you if he found out you were a plant and not an ally. And you still risked taking away my pain. So I don't ever want to hear you blaming yourself for what I went through. Okay? Promise me."

She holds his gaze, unwaveringly. "You did not condemn me. You are my savior. And one day...perhaps my friend. I didn't really have any stock in being human either. Both ways...my mom and my friends are dead. Lilly is dead", she says quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I leaned on her too much in my grief when I lost my mother. She became my next everything, her and Caedin when he was born. I even helped deliver him, actually. And even though we had other friends...we were the closest. Like sisters, as I mentioned. Family by choice, not blood."

She sighs sadly. "I suppose now I have an eternity to maybe befriend others and attempt to try and live with myself. Being the one that lived, when she should be here to raise her son...the way he lost them both...", her throat bobs. "I'll make sure he has everything and knows about her...how much she loved him and wanted this amazing life for him. And I-I'll give him that. However I can. At least, if I can make it through the night here."

Her eyes shutter. "Hybern snatched us in our tents. In the forest. At night. So I... I'm having a really hard time right now. My brain knows he's dead. Obviously. But my body and my magic doesnt get the message that I'm safe, so...it's in total breakdown mode," she scoffs as she tries to hold back tears. "I will do my very best to stay quiet for you. So at least one of us can sleep."

Tamlin listened and frustration flickered across his face at the mention of Lucien at the tavern again. He knew his friend liked his ale and housed it well, but it was only when he was stressed that he drank enough to become a bit of a blabbermouth. Grumpiness flashed through his pursed lips and narrowed eyes, as he wondered what kind of conversation he needed to have with his emissary — comforting, or slightly confrontational; but, it only lasted for a moment.

When she asked him no more questions, Tamlin summoned another image — this one of chocolate — and pulled a face like a child confronted with Broccoli. He made a thumbs down with his hand and moved the picture towards vanilla with an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Treacherous | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring

"Tamlin, wait--", she calls out softly as he heads toward his tent. She scrambles to her feet and rubs her arms a bit, picking up her cloak from where it fell on the ground.

"I don't ever want you to blame yourself for what happened to me. Lilly and me and the rest of The Blessed...we planned that trek. We went in the middle of the night. We climbed up the wall. It was our own actions that got us spotted by Hybern. Campfires and laughter...joy. We foolishly made ourselves targets. Regardless of anything happening on your side. He took us. He jailed us. He tortured us. And he used the Cauldron and killed us. Not you."

Taking a few steps closer, she raises her chin to meet his gaze. "You had nothing to do with that. You are a protector and a leader, and you would never let that happen to anyone if you could prevent it. When I was the last one left, shaking in that cell from shock and blood loss...you didn't walk by." She swallows hard. "You didn't...gawk or enjoy the sight of my pain or my ripped scraps of clothing. He could have killed you if he found out you were a plant and not an ally. And you still risked taking away my pain. So I don't ever want to hear you blaming yourself for what I went through. Okay? Promise me."

She holds his gaze, unwaveringly. "You did not condemn me. You are my savior. And one day...perhaps my friend. I didn't really have any stock in being human either. Both ways...my mom and my friends are dead. Lilly is dead", she says quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I leaned on her too much in my grief when I lost my mother. She became my next everything, her and Caedin when he was born. I even helped deliver him, actually. And even though we had other friends...we were the closest. Like sisters, as I mentioned. Family by choice, not blood."

She sighs sadly. "I suppose now I have an eternity to maybe befriend others and attempt to try and live with myself. Being the one that lived, when she should be here to raise her son...the way he lost them both...", her throat bobs. "I'll make sure he has everything and knows about her...how much she loved him and wanted this amazing life for him. And I-I'll give him that. However I can. At least, if I can make it through the night here."

Her eyes shutter. "Hybern snatched us in our tents. In the forest. At night. So I... I'm having a really hard time right now. My brain knows he's dead. Obviously. But my body and my magic doesnt get the message that I'm safe, so...it's in total breakdown mode," she scoffs as she tries to hold back tears. "I will do my very best to stay quiet for you. So at least one of us can sleep."

An unrecognizable expression lingered on Tamlin’s face as she reminded him to be kind to his stressed friend. He gulped. He got the message — he wasn’t exactly easy to deal with as a friend — and the load Lucien carried was not dissimilar to that of a partner. He had so many people depending on him. Regret lingered in his tired eyes and he wove his hands through the air, showing a picture of Elain and Lucien and a baby. He shrugged, expressing a wistful of hope and before the picture shattered like glass and the disappointment showed on his face. He was happy for them — he was; but he also knew nothing would ever be the same. He was alone in a hundred more ways than he had been before. Being asked to focus on a happy memory with his best friend was a good idea. Tamlin thought for a moment before presenting a picture of a room in his home and a shadowy glimmer of himself, Lucien, and Feyre challenging each other in truth or dare. Before the image could stick in the air, it fizzled out, and he growled softly under his breath. He was tired. Tamlin resorted to stick figures and illustrated the night of laughter and love.

He yawned. Her third question brought a slight blush to his face which he hoped the low light hid. He did not need his light to show her how he felt. The sheepish embarrassment and confusion creeping up his face forced him to cover it with his palms. For the first time in several hours, Tamlin spoke. “Oof.”

Treacherous | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring

"Tamlin, wait--", she calls out softly as he heads toward his tent. She scrambles to her feet and rubs her arms a bit, picking up her cloak from where it fell on the ground.

"I don't ever want you to blame yourself for what happened to me. Lilly and me and the rest of The Blessed...we planned that trek. We went in the middle of the night. We climbed up the wall. It was our own actions that got us spotted by Hybern. Campfires and laughter...joy. We foolishly made ourselves targets. Regardless of anything happening on your side. He took us. He jailed us. He tortured us. And he used the Cauldron and killed us. Not you."

Taking a few steps closer, she raises her chin to meet his gaze. "You had nothing to do with that. You are a protector and a leader, and you would never let that happen to anyone if you could prevent it. When I was the last one left, shaking in that cell from shock and blood loss...you didn't walk by." She swallows hard. "You didn't...gawk or enjoy the sight of my pain or my ripped scraps of clothing. He could have killed you if he found out you were a plant and not an ally. And you still risked taking away my pain. So I don't ever want to hear you blaming yourself for what I went through. Okay? Promise me."

She holds his gaze, unwaveringly. "You did not condemn me. You are my savior. And one day...perhaps my friend. I didn't really have any stock in being human either. Both ways...my mom and my friends are dead. Lilly is dead", she says quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I leaned on her too much in my grief when I lost my mother. She became my next everything, her and Caedin when he was born. I even helped deliver him, actually. And even though we had other friends...we were the closest. Like sisters, as I mentioned. Family by choice, not blood."

She sighs sadly. "I suppose now I have an eternity to maybe befriend others and attempt to try and live with myself. Being the one that lived, when she should be here to raise her son...the way he lost them both...", her throat bobs. "I'll make sure he has everything and knows about her...how much she loved him and wanted this amazing life for him. And I-I'll give him that. However I can. At least, if I can make it through the night here."

Her eyes shutter. "Hybern snatched us in our tents. In the forest. At night. So I... I'm having a really hard time right now. My brain knows he's dead. Obviously. But my body and my magic doesnt get the message that I'm safe, so...it's in total breakdown mode," she scoffs as she tries to hold back tears. "I will do my very best to stay quiet for you. So at least one of us can sleep."

Tamlin peeked through his hands to see Briar’s soft expression leak from her face until she appeared to be holding back tears. He tilted his head and concern etched its way onto his handsome features. No — that wasn’t how he intended it. He sat up halfway, propping himself up on his elbow, and looked up at her with genuine compassion. He reached for her hand and gave it a slow squeeze, regret lingering on his lips. He swallowed, trying to wade through the complicated web of anxiety, sorrow, and care which he felt. Unable to explain any other way, Tamlin gave her arm a gentle tug and pulled her into his arms, curling up around her like a shield. His eyes drifted closed and his breath was warm on her neck as he whispered, “Oof is okay.”

Treacherous | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring

"Tamlin, wait--", she calls out softly as he heads toward his tent. She scrambles to her feet and rubs her arms a bit, picking up her cloak from where it fell on the ground.

"I don't ever want you to blame yourself for what happened to me. Lilly and me and the rest of The Blessed...we planned that trek. We went in the middle of the night. We climbed up the wall. It was our own actions that got us spotted by Hybern. Campfires and laughter...joy. We foolishly made ourselves targets. Regardless of anything happening on your side. He took us. He jailed us. He tortured us. And he used the Cauldron and killed us. Not you."

Taking a few steps closer, she raises her chin to meet his gaze. "You had nothing to do with that. You are a protector and a leader, and you would never let that happen to anyone if you could prevent it. When I was the last one left, shaking in that cell from shock and blood loss...you didn't walk by." She swallows hard. "You didn't...gawk or enjoy the sight of my pain or my ripped scraps of clothing. He could have killed you if he found out you were a plant and not an ally. And you still risked taking away my pain. So I don't ever want to hear you blaming yourself for what I went through. Okay? Promise me."

She holds his gaze, unwaveringly. "You did not condemn me. You are my savior. And one day...perhaps my friend. I didn't really have any stock in being human either. Both ways...my mom and my friends are dead. Lilly is dead", she says quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I leaned on her too much in my grief when I lost my mother. She became my next everything, her and Caedin when he was born. I even helped deliver him, actually. And even though we had other friends...we were the closest. Like sisters, as I mentioned. Family by choice, not blood."

She sighs sadly. "I suppose now I have an eternity to maybe befriend others and attempt to try and live with myself. Being the one that lived, when she should be here to raise her son...the way he lost them both...", her throat bobs. "I'll make sure he has everything and knows about her...how much she loved him and wanted this amazing life for him. And I-I'll give him that. However I can. At least, if I can make it through the night here."

Her eyes shutter. "Hybern snatched us in our tents. In the forest. At night. So I... I'm having a really hard time right now. My brain knows he's dead. Obviously. But my body and my magic doesnt get the message that I'm safe, so...it's in total breakdown mode," she scoffs as she tries to hold back tears. "I will do my very best to stay quiet for you. So at least one of us can sleep."

This is Me Trying (ft. @springcourthighlady)

Tamlin was warm. He floated on the soft cloud of rest that sheltered his body with comfort and his mind with peace. His chest rose and fell in a natural rhythm as the birds in the trees began to trill just before morning light. There was a weight on his shoulder. During the night, he’d casually drifted to and away from Briar until they fell asleep for good with her hand resting over his heart. The High Lord slowly opened his eyes and blinked in the early morning sun, adjusting the relaxation in his limbs.

Where am I? What happened?

Tamlin rubbed his eyes and woke with a soft groan. He grasped his head, freshly aware of the pain lingering there, and discouraged by the lack of progress wish his efforts to sleep. The curl of her fingers was enough to fully open his eyes and begin waking to the world around him. When he did, Tamlin became hyper conscious of the way Briar’s hand rested on his chest.

His heart leapt into his throat and he carefully unthreaded her body from around his own, leaving behind his close call from the night before. Tamlin scratched the back of his head and stepped over Briar while she snoozed. What is going on?

He pushed past the opening of the tent, thankful that she slept soundly and he had a few moments to settle his nerves and try to gather what had happened, yet no matter how hard he tried the memory would not resurface. What happened? What had he done? Tamlin walked into the fresh spring breeze and found some odd relief from the stress and tension which he normally awoke to at dawn. The likelihood was just that they’d both been cold and huddled together for maximum shelter.

Still, he had a difficulty with eye contact as Briar emerged from the tent and he handed her a plate of warm breakfast, complete with a carefully sliced red apple and the last of the bread. They had a half day of travel left in the woods, but would have to take shelter in an inn tonight. Hopefully, the provisions would be plentiful.

“Good-morning.” Tamlin mumbled, shyly glancing up between bites of food. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

Tamlin’s brow wrinkled as she recounted details from the night before which he did not remember. He focused on his tasks while trying to recall even a semblance of what had happened, but it stayed blank. What she described sounded eerily similar to the way Lucien had once needed to comfort him from his nightmares. He found it difficult to socialize on an average day. There were nights where his mind lost connection to his mouth and he lost the ability to speak at all.

He hid some of his anxiety beneath a placid expression. Cool, calm, and collected, it was a rarity that anyone actually see the mental burden that he carried. He took in the scenery, trying to gauge an adequate response to her vulnerability. He neither wanted to encourage it, or deny it. I can do that.

All he needed to do was put the gentle crown of leadership, which he wore around all of his patrons, back onto his head.

“You must have overheard one of my nightmares.” He said, clearly self conscious. “I appreciate your kindness, Lady Briar.”

Tamlin rose from his breakfast and began checking on the horses, readying them for the journey ahead. “I must apologize. If I’d known of your fear for the dark — I would have planned an alternate route.”

The lip bite, the shy smile — he recognized them. Clearly, there was something about him which she found attractive. She is pretty, he supposed. Her long black hair and blue eyes were comely. It wasn’t those things that made him feel so conflicted. Her beauty was obvious.

I just can’t. Even after all this time, he couldn’t risk lying his heart on the line for someone else. It was better of buried in the cold ground.

I held her? Being held was very different than being hugged. Perhaps, he’d underestimated his own loneliness, sharing his bed through the night. Everyone needed comfort. Every heart needed companionship. Yet, he’d managed to avoid sleeping with strangers in the past.

Sunshine in his veins. He tilted his head. His mother had always told him that — long before it was obvious that was destined to lead Spring. “You are too kind. Whatever happened last night, I’m sure it would have been much harder for me today if you hadn’t gone to all that effort.”

Despite his innate hesitation, his shoulders felt less heavy today than they had before. He would remain in his place, but the discomfort between them was less than it had been. “We can leave whenever you are ready. The earlier we start, the more likelihood we have to make it to the village before nightfall.”

Tamlin waved his hand and the campsite disappeared into the void. “This part of the ride is said to be more…pleasant. Hopefully you will enjoy yourself.”

This is Me Trying (ft. @springcourthighlady)

Tamlin was warm. He floated on the soft cloud of rest that sheltered his body with comfort and his mind with peace. His chest rose and fell in a natural rhythm as the birds in the trees began to trill just before morning light. There was a weight on his shoulder. During the night, he’d casually drifted to and away from Briar until they fell asleep for good with her hand resting over his heart. The High Lord slowly opened his eyes and blinked in the early morning sun, adjusting the relaxation in his limbs.

Where am I? What happened?

Tamlin rubbed his eyes and woke with a soft groan. He grasped his head, freshly aware of the pain lingering there, and discouraged by the lack of progress wish his efforts to sleep. The curl of her fingers was enough to fully open his eyes and begin waking to the world around him. When he did, Tamlin became hyper conscious of the way Briar’s hand rested on his chest.

His heart leapt into his throat and he carefully unthreaded her body from around his own, leaving behind his close call from the night before. Tamlin scratched the back of his head and stepped over Briar while she snoozed. What is going on?

He pushed past the opening of the tent, thankful that she slept soundly and he had a few moments to settle his nerves and try to gather what had happened, yet no matter how hard he tried the memory would not resurface. What happened? What had he done? Tamlin walked into the fresh spring breeze and found some odd relief from the stress and tension which he normally awoke to at dawn. The likelihood was just that they’d both been cold and huddled together for maximum shelter.

Still, he had a difficulty with eye contact as Briar emerged from the tent and he handed her a plate of warm breakfast, complete with a carefully sliced red apple and the last of the bread. They had a half day of travel left in the woods, but would have to take shelter in an inn tonight. Hopefully, the provisions would be plentiful.

“Good-morning.” Tamlin mumbled, shyly glancing up between bites of food. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

Tamlin noticed her struggle with the horse and carefully helped her up with a gentle lift. “Sorry about that. Good effort there. I learned to ride as a child. I suppose it’s instinct now.”

For some reason, despite how confused he was — Tamlin knew that if she’d come running to help him through one of his hardest panic attacks, she was kind. He glanced upward, and gave her a nod. “I apologize that you had to see me that way.”

He scratched the back of his head. “But thank you. I’ve weathered those moments myself, but it…it is harder.”

Tamlin climbed astride his horse. “I’m not sure what I did to persuade you that my demeanor towards you is a facade, but I can assure you — this is who I am. I don’t keep a lot of friends. Those who I know intimately and I share my feelings or excitement with have been in my life for hundreds of years. It takes me a long time to trust people. I do not doubt your kindness, but no matter who I meet, I need time.”

He pointed ahead. “There’s a beautiful pond about ten miles from here. We should hit it around lunch. Would you like that? I think the wildlife is very nice. Some of my favorite ducks in Prythian, honestly.”

This is Me Trying (ft. @springcourthighlady)

Tamlin was warm. He floated on the soft cloud of rest that sheltered his body with comfort and his mind with peace. His chest rose and fell in a natural rhythm as the birds in the trees began to trill just before morning light. There was a weight on his shoulder. During the night, he’d casually drifted to and away from Briar until they fell asleep for good with her hand resting over his heart. The High Lord slowly opened his eyes and blinked in the early morning sun, adjusting the relaxation in his limbs.

Where am I? What happened?

Tamlin rubbed his eyes and woke with a soft groan. He grasped his head, freshly aware of the pain lingering there, and discouraged by the lack of progress wish his efforts to sleep. The curl of her fingers was enough to fully open his eyes and begin waking to the world around him. When he did, Tamlin became hyper conscious of the way Briar’s hand rested on his chest.

His heart leapt into his throat and he carefully unthreaded her body from around his own, leaving behind his close call from the night before. Tamlin scratched the back of his head and stepped over Briar while she snoozed. What is going on?

He pushed past the opening of the tent, thankful that she slept soundly and he had a few moments to settle his nerves and try to gather what had happened, yet no matter how hard he tried the memory would not resurface. What happened? What had he done? Tamlin walked into the fresh spring breeze and found some odd relief from the stress and tension which he normally awoke to at dawn. The likelihood was just that they’d both been cold and huddled together for maximum shelter.

Still, he had a difficulty with eye contact as Briar emerged from the tent and he handed her a plate of warm breakfast, complete with a carefully sliced red apple and the last of the bread. They had a half day of travel left in the woods, but would have to take shelter in an inn tonight. Hopefully, the provisions would be plentiful.

“Good-morning.” Tamlin mumbled, shyly glancing up between bites of food. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

Tamlin listened and spoke slowly, in turn. "You aren't too much."

He directed the horses through the clearing and into a faster pace as the morning continued to race on. The last thing he wanted to do was trap Briar in the forest at midnight for a second time. That seemed unfair. "I think you just have too much heart to give. Enough that it leaks out from time to time. Perhaps, if you showed yourself the same care and concern, life would not always feel so frightening."

He pointed to a small trail off the larger, beaten path. "I don't tend to take my own advice, but I know it's the same for myself. I might not trust very many people, but those who've earned that I consider family."

He led her toward the pond and pointed to a a shallow edge, where the soil softened into mud. "Blueberries, usually. Though, they do like bread. It's just not good for them. Like my own appreciation for almond biscuits."

This is Me Trying (ft. @springcourthighlady)

Tamlin was warm. He floated on the soft cloud of rest that sheltered his body with comfort and his mind with peace. His chest rose and fell in a natural rhythm as the birds in the trees began to trill just before morning light. There was a weight on his shoulder. During the night, he’d casually drifted to and away from Briar until they fell asleep for good with her hand resting over his heart. The High Lord slowly opened his eyes and blinked in the early morning sun, adjusting the relaxation in his limbs.

Where am I? What happened?

Tamlin rubbed his eyes and woke with a soft groan. He grasped his head, freshly aware of the pain lingering there, and discouraged by the lack of progress wish his efforts to sleep. The curl of her fingers was enough to fully open his eyes and begin waking to the world around him. When he did, Tamlin became hyper conscious of the way Briar’s hand rested on his chest.

His heart leapt into his throat and he carefully unthreaded her body from around his own, leaving behind his close call from the night before. Tamlin scratched the back of his head and stepped over Briar while she snoozed. What is going on?

He pushed past the opening of the tent, thankful that she slept soundly and he had a few moments to settle his nerves and try to gather what had happened, yet no matter how hard he tried the memory would not resurface. What happened? What had he done? Tamlin walked into the fresh spring breeze and found some odd relief from the stress and tension which he normally awoke to at dawn. The likelihood was just that they’d both been cold and huddled together for maximum shelter.

Still, he had a difficulty with eye contact as Briar emerged from the tent and he handed her a plate of warm breakfast, complete with a carefully sliced red apple and the last of the bread. They had a half day of travel left in the woods, but would have to take shelter in an inn tonight. Hopefully, the provisions would be plentiful.

“Good-morning.” Tamlin mumbled, shyly glancing up between bites of food. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

“Group is probably a strong term,” He chuckled under his breath and bent to retrieve a stone from the path. He looked out over the clear water and aimed, sending it carefully skipping across the water. “I don’t gravitate towards social events. It’s much more like being pulled from my books or animals by a small, stubborn, but well meaning family.”

Tamlin bent down next to the ducks and let them waddle up to him in their chorus of total discord. He nodded sincerely, looking from one to the other. “You all think the turtles in the pond have taken up too much space?”

A few quacks agreed with him. “There’s a vote being held to ban turtles from the premises?”

He raised an eyebrow. His eyes crinkled. “I can’t say you’ll be effective, but by all means. Duck democracy should be the ruling one.”

He held out his hand and a small serving of blueberries appeared. A few of the larger quackers rushed forwards to grab them. He conjured a basket and lay them out in the sunshine, leaving just a few for himself and Briar.

“I can understand why you are so stubborn about bringing Caiden home. My found family is torn and sewn back together in a hundred ways.”

He settled into the grass, leaning back, and enjoying her silence. Sometimes silence told him a lot more about a person than their words. “Holidays are intense, but, I would not let a single one of them go in a heartbeat. Despite…the heartache they can cause me. Knowing they are safe helps me sleep at night.”

This is Me Trying (ft. @springcourthighlady)

Tamlin was warm. He floated on the soft cloud of rest that sheltered his body with comfort and his mind with peace. His chest rose and fell in a natural rhythm as the birds in the trees began to trill just before morning light. There was a weight on his shoulder. During the night, he’d casually drifted to and away from Briar until they fell asleep for good with her hand resting over his heart. The High Lord slowly opened his eyes and blinked in the early morning sun, adjusting the relaxation in his limbs.

Where am I? What happened?

Tamlin rubbed his eyes and woke with a soft groan. He grasped his head, freshly aware of the pain lingering there, and discouraged by the lack of progress wish his efforts to sleep. The curl of her fingers was enough to fully open his eyes and begin waking to the world around him. When he did, Tamlin became hyper conscious of the way Briar’s hand rested on his chest.

His heart leapt into his throat and he carefully unthreaded her body from around his own, leaving behind his close call from the night before. Tamlin scratched the back of his head and stepped over Briar while she snoozed. What is going on?

He pushed past the opening of the tent, thankful that she slept soundly and he had a few moments to settle his nerves and try to gather what had happened, yet no matter how hard he tried the memory would not resurface. What happened? What had he done? Tamlin walked into the fresh spring breeze and found some odd relief from the stress and tension which he normally awoke to at dawn. The likelihood was just that they’d both been cold and huddled together for maximum shelter.

Still, he had a difficulty with eye contact as Briar emerged from the tent and he handed her a plate of warm breakfast, complete with a carefully sliced red apple and the last of the bread. They had a half day of travel left in the woods, but would have to take shelter in an inn tonight. Hopefully, the provisions would be plentiful.

“Good-morning.” Tamlin mumbled, shyly glancing up between bites of food. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

It was hard…for him to relax around people, let alone strangers, but especially strangers that he knew. Contrary to what he’d said, Tamlin remembered Briar more than he would like to admit. Remembering her meant remembering everything that happened in the aftermath of his disastrous wedding and attempt to reclaim his land. In the end, even with those people that he loved back in them, he had failed.

Sometimes love wasn’t enough. Very often, it failed. Love was not enough to break curses or save souls, let alone mend hearts and heal countries; yet he had more than enough of it to spare. He carried his mothers’ heart in his chest. It was one of many reasons why his father had hated him so badly. His parents being mates had not solved their interpersonal issues. It had left him with deeply set doubts over his own value, let alone marriage, or a mating bond.

Love, marriage, a baby carriage. Weren’t those things supposed to be the most natural ones in the world? Nothing had ever felt more foreign to him — especially now, sitting with a strange girl, speaking of children whom they loved but did not sire themselves. “Spring Solstice is something else. There are a hundred busy hands that go into making it the festivity of the year. We may not have the same amount of snow as Winter, but we certainly have twice the heart and double the spirits and wine.”

“Only a single glass for myself, though.” He said wryly. “I can be a bit of a lightweight.”

Tamlin held out the last of the blueberries and offered them to her. “I’m sure some work can be arranged. No matter what we find for you — no child is left behind during the holidays. I make sure of it.”

Tamlin pushed the air between his hands out into the distance and pulled it back, forming a shape, which slowly came into view. It was a wooden duck. He handed it to Briar. “Perhaps, you can have a head start.”

This is Me Trying (ft. @springcourthighlady)

Tamlin was warm. He floated on the soft cloud of rest that sheltered his body with comfort and his mind with peace. His chest rose and fell in a natural rhythm as the birds in the trees began to trill just before morning light. There was a weight on his shoulder. During the night, he’d casually drifted to and away from Briar until they fell asleep for good with her hand resting over his heart. The High Lord slowly opened his eyes and blinked in the early morning sun, adjusting the relaxation in his limbs.

Where am I? What happened?

Tamlin rubbed his eyes and woke with a soft groan. He grasped his head, freshly aware of the pain lingering there, and discouraged by the lack of progress wish his efforts to sleep. The curl of her fingers was enough to fully open his eyes and begin waking to the world around him. When he did, Tamlin became hyper conscious of the way Briar’s hand rested on his chest.

His heart leapt into his throat and he carefully unthreaded her body from around his own, leaving behind his close call from the night before. Tamlin scratched the back of his head and stepped over Briar while she snoozed. What is going on?

He pushed past the opening of the tent, thankful that she slept soundly and he had a few moments to settle his nerves and try to gather what had happened, yet no matter how hard he tried the memory would not resurface. What happened? What had he done? Tamlin walked into the fresh spring breeze and found some odd relief from the stress and tension which he normally awoke to at dawn. The likelihood was just that they’d both been cold and huddled together for maximum shelter.

Still, he had a difficulty with eye contact as Briar emerged from the tent and he handed her a plate of warm breakfast, complete with a carefully sliced red apple and the last of the bread. They had a half day of travel left in the woods, but would have to take shelter in an inn tonight. Hopefully, the provisions would be plentiful.

“Good-morning.” Tamlin mumbled, shyly glancing up between bites of food. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

This is Me Trying (ft. @springcourthighlady)

Tamlin was warm. He floated on the soft cloud of rest that sheltered his body with comfort and his mind with peace. His chest rose and fell in a natural rhythm as the birds in the trees began to trill just before morning light. There was a weight on his shoulder. During the night, he’d casually drifted to and away from Briar until they fell asleep for good with her hand resting over his heart. The High Lord slowly opened his eyes and blinked in the early morning sun, adjusting the relaxation in his limbs.

Where am I? What happened?

Tamlin rubbed his eyes and woke with a soft groan. He grasped his head, freshly aware of the pain lingering there, and discouraged by the lack of progress wish his efforts to sleep. The curl of her fingers was enough to fully open his eyes and begin waking to the world around him. When he did, Tamlin became hyper conscious of the way Briar’s hand rested on his chest.

His heart leapt into his throat and he carefully unthreaded her body from around his own, leaving behind his close call from the night before. Tamlin scratched the back of his head and stepped over Briar while she snoozed. What is going on?

He pushed past the opening of the tent, thankful that she slept soundly and he had a few moments to settle his nerves and try to gather what had happened, yet no matter how hard he tried the memory would not resurface. What happened? What had he done? Tamlin walked into the fresh spring breeze and found some odd relief from the stress and tension which he normally awoke to at dawn. The likelihood was just that they’d both been cold and huddled together for maximum shelter.

Still, he had a difficulty with eye contact as Briar emerged from the tent and he handed her a plate of warm breakfast, complete with a carefully sliced red apple and the last of the bread. They had a half day of travel left in the woods, but would have to take shelter in an inn tonight. Hopefully, the provisions would be plentiful.

“Good-morning.” Tamlin mumbled, shyly glancing up between bites of food. “Are you ready for an adventure?”