Mentioned: Nyx - Tumblr Posts
Tamlin mounted, listening, as she spoke. He understood how much Caedin meant to her. As he'd said before, if Nyx was taken...he would have moved heaven and earth to bring him home. It didn't matter that they were not his sons. Not every son was gifted with a father. His had certainly not been a gift, but rather a burden. Perhaps, by stepping up for these little lost boys it healed a part of him which had been forced to grow up much too quickly. "Great things come in small packages. Every child deserves a home. It's up to the people around them to make that happen."
"It's alright." He nodded. "I am too quiet, so I suppose you can talk for the both of us, huh?"
He urged his own horse forwards and hers followed behind. He'd already given the mare instructions to make things easier for Briar. All she had to do was stay focused. "I don't call you Lady Briar out of concern for rank. It's a gesture. It shows my respect." The quiet between them as the rode through the first several miles of the woods was less uncomfortable now. It just existed, how he liked. However, he knew that he at least needed to try to answer her questions. Lucien may have been the one who handled the courtly small talk in the past, but he wasn't hopeless. He'd been taught etiquette and manners. "It takes me time, Lady Briar, to get to know someone. I appreciate my title for what it is and not what it gives me. I have dedicated my entire life to helping the people of this court. Being the High Lord is...a small symbol of that sacrifice."
Safe and Sound | Tamlin & Briar @thehighlordofspring
Briar stirs awake as sunshine filters through the delicate curtains of her room. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth lingered in the air through a half open window. She stretches, feeling the cool silk sheets slide against her skin, and smiles to herself, humming with pleasure. It was cozy and peaceful here, in a way that always made her feel both at ease and restless--in a way she didn't know if she'd ever get used to.
Slipping out of bed, she dresses quickly in a simple, pale--bordering lime-- green gown that hugs her curves nicely and flows airily around her hips, perfect for the warmth of the morning, before padding softly across the wooden floor down the hall. The grand, sweeping staircase awaited her, sunlight spilling over the banister as she made her way down to the kitchen, where the promise of fresh bread and pastries beckoned her to start the day.
She smiles brightly and thanks Griffin, one of the cooks, as she nabs a slice of blueberry bread and wanders out to the garden, taking in the lightness of the clear day.
Today. Today is the day she saves her soul nephew; takes him home where he belongs. Today is the day she becomes...becomes a mother.
Gods, a mother.
Her nerves rush though her and she chews her food slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. And Tamlin...
She shakes her head, unable to stop the giddy laughter from escaping her as she waits for him.
Her husband. What a thought. Fake husband, obviously, but still. The idea is both absurd and exhilarating. Despite herself, it spreads a warmth through her, flushing her cheeks.
A familiar hum of power seems to surround her then, making the hair on her neck and arms stand on end. Tamlin. He's arrived for the journey across the wall.
She wonders what it will be like to be human again, even for a short time. If it will feel wholly different, or like becoming her true self again.
Turning toward the pulse of magic, she smiles brightly to greet him. "Good morning!", she chirps excitedly.
She lightly tosses her sheet of onyx hair behind her, freckles seeming to dance on her nose as the sun lights up her eyes, making them a paler blue than usual.
