A Court of Redemption and Flora:
Through madness shines reason
A home amongst the those of Night Court was something Lucian would have once thought a nightmare. He had once imagined a place of inky shadows and snarling beast. However, Valeris was something of a wonderland.
With its colorful streets and marvelous building and markets. Lucian felt the air even seemed lighter, easier. Though he at times craved the familiarity of the Spring Court that had sheltered him for decades, he felt more at peace in the land of twilight.
There was a figure seated contently at the center of the vast garden. Her adept feet had gracefully weaved through the silken petals, and their violet tipped faces seemed to incline into her presence. Elain pillowed her head atop her knees and slowly brushed her fingertips lazily, almost sensually over their faces.
Home, she was home to Lucian. Even if she could not stomach the sight of him. Even when his chest caved in at the anguish, her eyes still held.
Elain was his mate and with that the other half of his soul, so he would be patient. Be everything that she needed him to be. A friend, a silent guardian, or maybe even a warm breeze in the night.
As if sensing him, the high Fae female inclined her head upwards, but there was no one on the balcony.
There was a quiet rustle of leaves, and Elain found a small vixen with blood orange fur with dark chocolate colored feet and muzzle.
"Hello, little one" She called, and the fox paused from playing with the snow, her ears flattened against her head. Elain stayed her hand. She would not force the creature to trust her. Such a thing would be contradictory. So, she sat and settled back into the flowers. They circled her in the chill of an embrace. She sighed, trying to will away the ache that pooled between the thin arches of her eyebrows.
The next day Elain brought the small vixen a tribute of smoked salmon. Instead of scuttling backward, the fox simply cocked her head to the side curiously. Elain smiled and quietly placed the offering at the lip of the garden. A lettuce leaf garnished the salmon. The female backed away slowly until she disappeared behind the mahogany door. She scurried to the nearest window to peer through to the garden. She squealed contently as the fox ate savagely at the offering.
Feyre, who had been lounging on the couch, peaked her eyes above her book.
"What has you so giddy?" Feyre asked her sister, a bemused grin sliding lazily across her lips. Elain turned slightly her cheeks flushed from the cold, and her dark brown eyes glinted.
"I think she is starting to trust me!" She exclaimed as giddy as a child. Curiosity made Feyre stand and stride towards her sister's side.
She made out the image of a reddish creature licking contently at the salmon juice that had coated her paw. The High Lady of the Night Court could not help but think of her old friend. The mask he had borne for forty-nine years.
"I think her name is Hydra" Elain announced.
"What makes you say that?" Feyre asked and observed that faraway look that cloaked her sister. It had grown easier to know Elain as High Fae, she often spoke in riddles and seemed confused when intermixed in multiple conversations. However, mad she appeared, Elain was content.
"Hydrangeas cradle her at night. She finds comfort in them and will one day do the same with me." Elain sighed and watched her fox bound into the snow. "The light of day is growing patient, and though his flames frighten me, I find myself seeking his warmth." She placed a hand gently on Feyre's shoulder in farewell.
"Maybe his light will shine upon Hydra one day. I feel she will be more soothed by him" She Prophesized before disappearing up the stairs.
Feyre placed a scrap of leather in her book to mark her place before leaving towards the door. She plucked up her cloak and hurriedly trailed down the twirling steps. I'm going to visit Lucien, my love. I won't be long.
Rhys' response was a caress in her mind. You seem determined. He chuckled Send him my regards
Lucien had moved to an apartment that overlooked the Rainbow artists quarter. It was a quaint apartment with a glass ceiling that captured the image of snowfall. His weapons lay strewed about and at a corner desk was a disastrous array of books. He was sharpening his sword when there was a light knock on the door.
Lucien sniffed curiously; he recognized the scent of his friend. Though they were not on the best of terms after the Christmas debacle. He walked to the door and leaned on the doorframe.
"Well, to what do I owe the honor, High Lady" He hissed the title. Feyre narrowed her eyes at him. He sighed and stepped aside, an invitation inside.
"Did you gift my sister a fox?" She asked and observed his relaxed soldiers.
"I don't take Nesta to be one to care for the precious and wild" He chuckled humorlessly. Feyre glared. He knew very well to which sister she meant. He sighed.
"The vixen was being hunted down after her mother had been shot dead, barely more than a Kit, she sought shelter in my riding satchel. I could not very well leave her there so defenseless. There was no sport in that. When her wide eyes looked at me, so wide and full of fear." He paused. "They have the same eyes, so I released her in the garden."
His eyes questioned Feyre.
"She loves her. She is determined to earn the fox's trust no matter how long it takes." Feyre said and let the words echo in the air. How like Elain was Lucien willing to be?
Lucien swallowed and turned to look at the desk that had appeared to have exploded with leaflets. Feyre understood. He was trying. So much so She had to commend him.
"It was a lovely gift. I just wanted to let you know" She said before nodding to him and exiting the apartment.
Lucien allowed himself a small smile before shuffling to the desk. He pulled out a quill and a fresh sheet of parchment and began to write.