If He Shared All Of His Magic With The World, There Would Be None Left For Him. Tamlin Knew That There

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.

Misc OC ask: 12 and 23 ❤️

send Tamlin miscellaneous questions (great choices!)

↳ 12 - is your character self destructive? in what ways? which emotion is hardest for him to process? why?

Tamlin destroys himself through cutting off the connection between his heart and everything else. The guilt he carries is often too much to bear and his shame haunts him into the daylight hours. He struggles with conflict and often resorts to cutting it off, instead of communicating. The silent treatment, the cold shoulder, and the door slam are only a few of the weapons in his arsenal when it comes to protecting himself from pain. After all, being alone is easier. When he alone, no one can hurt him. In his struggles with others, even his anger is a front for the hurt and anxiety which lie beneath it. After Amarantha's curse breaks, the inner mask which he wears over his raw emotions does not crack. Denying the truth of his broken family, broken relationships, and broken crown is easier than confronting the whispers in the back of his mind that tell him he was not enough: not a son worth loving, a friend worth keeping, or a High Lord still standing. He remains haunted by the decisions he's made and the promises that he's broken. Truthfully, Tamlin cannot see himself objectively. He doesn't see his own good, his own light, or the actions he's taken to heal and mend the hearts of others. He often sees himself as incapable of loving and unworthy of love and clings to the moments in his life and people who have given him brief glimpses of the light through the darkness. In the deepest part of his heart, beneath the betrayal, beneath the agony, and beneath the ashes of his burned court, there hides a small glimmer that whispers, "Don't give up. This isn't the ending you deserved."

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.” 

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.

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 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…”