: @mossytrashcan | Bethgilbert_art | Listening_stars_ | Nasterpiece | @lucychanart

🎨: @mossytrashcan | bethgilbert_art | listening_stars_ | nasterpiece | @lucychanart

I have no heart, just ice and stone Made up of nails and teeth and bone And I know exactly what I'm for To hurt and destroy and nothing more

And if it's true that I was made I still don't know if I can change

But something has stirred A beast has awakened Opened a door There's no mistaking Waging a war It's fighting inside of me

So hear my battle cry I'm out for blood to claim what's mine Finally questioning If I am my own worst I am my own worst I am my own worst enemy

I never thought that I could love Strangers at night were good enough But love's not a thing you get to choose Try to resist, you'll always lose

I made a deal to sell my soul But lately I have dared to hope

That something has stirred A beast has awakened Opened a door There's no mistaking Waging a war It's fighting inside of me

So hear my battle cry I'm out for blood to claim what's mine Finally questioning If I am my own worst I am my own worst I am my own worst enemy

Tell my secrets to the wind Flying, I feel infinite

But something has stirred A beast has awakened Opened a door There's no mistaking Waging a war It's fighting inside of me

So hear my battle cry I'm out for blood to claim what's mine Finally questioning If I am my own worst I am my own worst I am my own worst enemy

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.

“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 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.

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…”