It had been the middle of the night- or early morning, Aelin was curled on Rowan's chest. Her breathing steady. Then he had felt her shake and violently lurch in his arms, her sharp nails tearing at his skin. Rowan had tried to wake her before the flame had exploded from her throat and fingertips. The fae male in him had panicked and he only could feel- or think of Aelin. He had forgotten of the room that was being blackened or the world that was at threat of being destroyed. Then his mate's eyes had snapped open- her flame retreating into her flesh.
For less than a second had Aelin been in the thrall of her flames, yet her flame had lashed across the room- searing everything in its way. Including himself, Rowan had realised when Aelin pulled away from him, shaking in horror at the burns she had caused. She had cried and cried, just repeating she was sorry over and over again. The burns had been minor- even with his mind completely absent, his magic had prevented the fire from getting far- they healed by morning. But once Aelin's tears had started, they hadn't stopped. She had stopped weeping about hurting her mate and started weeping about all the pain she had been through. Aelin had told him as much as she could through her tears- of the whippings, how Cairn had slowly removed each bone in her body and reassembled her, and of the illusions Maeve had woven from her darkness and forced her to live through. There was still more to tell, but their voices had become hoarse and they had both ran out of tears. Rowan had padded to the closet for new blankets, that he wrapped her in after giving his shirt for her to wear. Aelin had fallen asleep cradled in his arms. He had stayed awake, memorizing the lines of her face and the rhythm of her breathing.
Now Rowan and his wife were down in the kitchen with the Night Court. Aelin was sitting with her legs crossed on a cushioned chair at the food filled table.
He was on her right, while she was talking to Feyre to her left, "I may have seared the room we were in." Feyre raised her eyebrows, "I did sear the room we were in." she corrected herself.
Cassian snickered from across the room, "Damn, that's kinky." Rowan's hand clenched around Aelin's fingers and a warning growl shook the plates, Cassian only grinned wider, "Is that why you look so tired, Aelin?"
Rowan snarled and shot from his chair, fortunately for Cassian Aelin's hand quickly grabbed his shoulder and tugged him down to his seat, "Don't be such a territorial Fae bastard."
His soft snarl was covered by Mor's chuckle.
"Territorial Fae bastard?" Feyre repeated, as if she was trying the words on her tongue, "That's nice, mind if I use that?"
Aelin shrugged, her hand leaving Rowan's, "Sure, if you want." she grimaced, "...But the room?"
Feyre waved her off, "It's fine, don't worry about it."
Mor slid into the chair opposite her Highlady, "How exactly did you get here? If we're supposed to help you get to your world we need to know." she asked Aelin
"Do you have to get back immediately?" Feyre said, looking hopeful that they would stay.
His queen hesitated, Rowan knew Aelin wasn't ready to slip back into the role of Queen yet. She was still holding on and hiding so many things. It was better she have a breakdown here and now- where no one relied on her than in Terrasen, where she had to be strong for her court. But if she wanted to return to Erilea, he would help her get through whatever happened when everything came out. Even if they were in the middle of war, he would be strong enough for them both. And if Aelin needed more time away from being queen he would give her the time- by being her king.
"Yeah, I need to go home." Aelin answered after her pause, Rowan reached out and squeezed her hand, she squeezed back.
Leaning back in his chair with one arm around Feyre, Rhysand prompted, "So how did you come upon our world?"
Aelin sighed and told the story, it was short enough- she was in an iron coffin and her- being his horribly amazing mate, had memorized the wyrdmarks and spell for a portal. She drew the marks in the blood from her many open wounds, the location had been purely random- a wyrdmark she had half remembered.
"What are wyrdmarks?" Azriel asked solemnly from his shadows, it was Amren who answered, "They're magical runes that allow you to cast spells and stuff. Typically used for evil, yet technically neutral." she explained, picking dirt from her clipped nails.
The room was silent before the Highlord leaned forward, asking, "Amren, how do you know that."
"Are you really surprised? I know a lot of things Rhysand." she taunted, looking up from her nails.
Rhys sighed.
She shrugged, resuming her work, "I don't know, I read it in some book."
"Can you find that book?" Rowan questioned.
The small female, radiating that strange power grinned at him, "Yes, for a price."
Aelin's eyes narrowed, "What's your price?"
Something in Rowan's gut squirmed at the response that immediately came to mind: Nameless is my price. He glanced at Aelin, she remained normal- her lips drawn in a tight line, her eyes focused ahead on Amren. The sacrifice the gods had asked for, the thing that catapulted all her terrible, terrible plans had not come to her mind. She hadn't mentioned the price yet. And Rowan had just assumed she had come to her senses and realized that nobody was going to let her get herself killed. But the more he looked at her the more he realized it was a fool's hope, he would address it later, he decided, looking away, when he had Aedion to back him up.
"Just some lamb blood." she clarified, looking as if it was the most normal request in the world.
Aelin gave her a quizzical look but said, "Okay, we can do that."
"Good. When you have it bring it to my house and I'll give you the books." Amren stood from her seat, "Feyre can tell you where it is." Then she exited the house.
Aelin shifted her gaze to the rest of the court, "Is there a certain place one can get lamb's blood?"
"You can probably find something in town." Mor replied, reaching for a slice of bread.
o-0-o
Though Aelin was determined to get back to her world, to Erilea, to finally see Aedion, Lysandra, Dorian- just everyone- she couldn't help but wish she could spend more time here. The town was beautiful. Near perfect. Her whole life she had lived in flawed cities, giant mansions where owners wiped their asses with gold leaf and slums where you were lucky if you had food to shit out were separated by a single street. Here everything was prosperous and well taken care of, there was no crime, she didn't see guards roaming the streets with swords drawn, or hooded drug lords strutting down alleyways flanked by their bodyguards.
"How do you like it?" Rowan asked, pulling her back to him by the hand.
"I love it." she smiled at him, "One day Terrasen is going to be like this."
He leaned down and kissed her brow, "Yes it will be- better even." he murmured against her skin.
Her husband dragged her down a cobbled street, gesturing to the brightly colored shops "This street is dedicated to Art," he grinned at her, "we can have that too, yet ours will also have a giant theatre for orchestras and plays. Where you grace our people with your excellent pianoforte."
She smiled at his back, it was cute to see him so excited for Terrasen's future. Completely content, she breathed in the scent of fresh air, gasping tugging Rowan backwards, when a certain familiar scent graced her nose.
"What is it Aelin?" Rowan said, his body automatically tensing in anticipation of a threat.
She sniffed, her eyes wide with childlike hope, "Is that chocolate?"
He casually smelled the air, the tension leaving his body, "Yes."
Aelin squealed, grabbing Rowan's cloak "Let's go."
"We don't have any money Fireheart." he laughed, resisting her pull.
She winked at him, forcing him forward "That's never stopped me before."
They followed their noses to the chocolate shop. It was a small building squished in between two crowded restaurants. To Aelin - it was magical, the scent of chocolate wafted into the open street and Aelin wasted no time dragging Rowan by the collar into the store after her.
"So this is the plan," Aelin whispered in Rowan's ear while browsing the chocolates in the store. Aelin glanced back at the shopkeeper. She was a fae female, her skin a dark brown with a head of wild curls- she was following them with her eyes, well more specifically, she was following Rowan with her eyes.
Aelin smirked, "You go over and flirt with her. I'll grab a box and leave, after a few minutes follow me out."
Rowan raised his eyebrows, I'm a married man, in fact, I'm your husband and you want me flirt with another woman?
Aelin rolled her eyes, Just this one time. She narrowed her eyes at him, If you ever do it without my instruction I will burn your eyebrows off.
Her king smirked, as if to say, you could try, but instead whispered, "I don't flirt so you're out of luck."
He left her no choice- she sighed and the flame of a candle near the girl roared to life. The female jumped and that was all the distraction Aelin needed. Lighting fast she reached behind her and grabbed a box, then stuffed it in her jacket.
The shopkeeper regained herself and a moment later, after a quick goodbye, Aelin was outside with her chocolates at last.
"I can't believe you Aelin." Rowan said jogging to catch up with her.
"What can I say," she popped a chocolate into her mouth, "I'm a heathen."
Rowan used the day showed Aelin the rest of the town, pointing out all the things he liked and that they should strive for in Terrasen while she ate her chocolates. It was so sweet to see him like this, half the time she ended up hugging him out of pure joy. She was in a beautiful town, with wonderfully smooth chocolate, and her stunning mate. But when the sun was high in the sky Rowan turned to her and said they had to find the lamb's blood. Finding it was simple enough, they just found a restaurant that served lamb and asked for some blood. Apparently, it was common for Amren to request lamb blood and the cook at no problem sparing any.
o-0-o
There was a knock at the door and Amren sighed as she slid from her lavish cushioned chair. She pulled open the door, revealing the unmated couple. Aelin and Rowan.
The female held out a wine bottle, and when Amren sniffed the air she knew what it held, "Oh yes, I'll take that" she said with an excited grin.
She grabbed the bottle from Aelin. Pulled off the cork with her mouth and spit it across the room. Taking a long drink she disappeared into her darkly lit home, emerging with a stack of books. Amren gave them the books and they left, not a word was spoken, she appreciated that. No bullshit. It was nice for a change.
o-0-o
After hours of pouring over the books, Aelin had finished her chocolate and was still no closer to a wyrdmark that would bring her back to her home. All the information was all rudimentary, the only marks ever shown were far too basic: summon fire, summon barrier, the creation of portal was only mentioned once.
"There's absolutely nothing!" Aelin shouted, partially at Rowan, partially at the books, but mostly at herself.
Rowan sighed from where he sat on the bed and Aelin rotated in her chair to face him. His silver hair was glowing from the moonlight that streamed through the window. They didn't even need candles to read, the stars sprinkled their light across the whole room. Aelin looked out the window at the small, perfect town, even in the night it was busy and full of life.
Shutting his book, Rowan shook his head, "This one only mentions wyrdmarks once."
He looked up and saw the frustration lining her face, "We'll find a way." he reassured her, standing to set the books down on the desk.
She grunted, "Have we looked through all the books?"
He nodded. Aelin slumped in her chair flailing her limbs hopelessly.
"I saw a library when we were walking. Maybe they'll have something there."
She jolted up with feigned horror, "You saw a library and you didn't tell me?"
Rowan rolled his eyes, "We're only going to be here for a little bit, you wouldn't be able to finish a book."
"Don't underestimate me," she warned, pulling on a pair of boots, "I could've taken it with me if I didn't finish anyway."
Rowan stood guiding her out the door with a hand to her back, "I think you've done enough thievery for today."
o-0-o
The Library was a massive building on the outskirts of the town, luckily for them, it wasn't closed during the night. In fact, nothing here seemed to be closed during the night, if anything there were more fae in the streets and more open shops. And why wouldn't there be? The Night Court was beautiful during the day- it was breathtaking during the night.
While roaming the alleyways created by stacks and stacks of books Aelin inhaled the scent of pages like a drug, the further she walked into the library the more chaotic the organization became. The magic section was the worst, centuries of dust covered leather bound books. But scouring the shelves she found nothing on wyrdmarks, or portals, or other worlds. Aelin didn't give up, even if she found nothing, Rowan was looking as well. The passageway still stretched into the dark so Aelin still followed. After compulsive coughing from the dust of her fruitless venture, she reached a wall. A dead end, with nothing to show for it. The wall was just a wall with a window looking out into the landscape of the Night Court. It showed a range of snow capped mountains whose peaks were shrouded in light mist, the mountains' roots were peppered with pine trees that couldn't help remind Aelin of Terrasen. The scene might as well been a painting, it was awe-inspiring. She hoped someone had painted it- so when this world's fae and humans eventually destroyed these mountains their children could see what beauty was, what they had lost.
A glow cut through the forest, and figure appeared. The proud, majestic silhouette of a stag was casted in the trees. Not just any stag. A sun stag- the stag of Terrasen. Brannon, Aelin realized.
Aelin's eyes widened, her head jolting to look behind her. The passage out was too long, she wouldn't reach him in time. Yet glass- glass was breakable. Before thinking of the consequences, gritting her teeth she stomped on the glass- the thud vibrating across the room. She kicked again in the same place, the result was the same aggravating thud. Looking around she rummaged through books, finding one clad in leather with steel tips on the cover, it was giant and heavy. With the strength the adrenaline in her blood provided her she threw it at the window. Aelin heard the satisfying shatter of glass before leaping out the window, hurling herself at the dimming light of Brannon, of Mala.
Despite weeks of recovery, of Aelin eating well and walking across the land- her muscles were pathetically weak, her energy pathetically low. She jumped over bushes and stones, her legs would give and her hands and knees began to bleed from falling and getting up, over and over again. Aelin ignored the burning in her lungs every time she drew in a breath. But all her endurance was useless, Halfway across the plain, the light blinked out, at first, Aelin lost hope. But the stag would always disappear, that didn't mean it meant nothing. Maybe she just thought after all the shit she had been through they would grace her with their presence. Groaning, Aelin pushed herself up from the cool, damp, grass and continued to the forest.
When the Aelin reached the pine trees she knew where the sun stag had been, because in all her running she had not taken her eyes from the spot. Nothing was out of place in the forest- if there was wildlife here they were being completely silent. The floor was spongy from layers of moss and pine needles. Aelin took a step deeper into the trees, she pushed away a thicket of branches to reveal a clearing. In the center of forest floor glistening grey rocks were arranged in Brannon's mark, the mark of the Bastard Born. She swallowed, and in the center of those stones was a Nameless leather bound book.
o-0-o
Rowan's heart was pounding, he had found nothing in that old, moldy, library. When he had looked for Aelin, he found nothing either. Her scent was easy to notice and he had followed the path through the shelves she had taken, yet when Rowan reached the end of the labyrinth there was no Aelin. Only a floor coated in broken glass and a shattered window opening the library to the Night Court's air. His mind immediately jumped to the worse- that she had been taken from him again. That somehow Maeve had captured her. He shifted, flying into the cool night. Luckily, there was no wind and Aelin's track was burned into the scenery by her scent.
When Rowan found her, she was kneeling in a forest clearing, surrounded by stones. He shifted from his hawk form- forgetting to pull up, he crashed into the floor beside his mate.
"Aelin, what the hell were you thinking?" he half shouted at her, "Hellas knows what horrible creatures are here."
She didn't reply. She didn't even react to his presence.
"Aelin?" He asked, grabbing her shoulder.
She was huddled over something, just staring at it, "I'm fine Rowan." she murmured.
Rowan growled at the dismissal in her voice, "You can't just run off like that. I thought- I thought you had been taken again." he twisted Aelin, forcing her to face him.
Something flickered in her eyes but she ignored what he had said, "I saw a sun stag."
His eyebrows knitted together and he looked around the forest, finally recognizing the formation the stones were in, "Brannon's Mark." he breathed, looking down at what Aelin had been focused on, a plain closed book rested on the forest floor, "What is that?"
Aelin shrugged, like this whole situation was common, "I don't know, the stag left it. I haven't looked."
"Why not?" he asked, his heart rate finally slowing.
"I don't want to." she said simply.
Rowan looked at her, there were so many words in her eyes but he just replied, "Do you want me to?"
Only her head moved when she nodded. Rowan reached for the book, taking it in his hands he opened the cover- a burst of wind that was not his rushed through the trees, flipping the pages to where a leaf was held. He looked closer at the page, there was a single symbol, a rune- a wyrdmark, with tiny scribe surrounding it.
"I think Mala wants us to return home."
Aelin looked up, some of her fear finally gone, and moved to peer over his shoulder.
o-0-o
When they got to the townhouse Aelin was a little surprised to see the Night Court- well, all except Amren- in the kitchen. She had assumed they all had their own houses or a castle they lived in and that this was more of a guest house.
"Did you find anything?" Rhysand asked, glancing back at them.
"We think so, is there a place you wouldn't mind blood being smeared?"
Feyre raised her eyebrows at Aelin, "Yes. Outside."
"We'll take our leave then." Aelin said, grabbing a knife from the counter. And steering Rowan from the room. Seconds later they heard footsteps follow them.
When they were out in the open air Aelin found a smooth stone surface on the street, Feyre hovered with Rhysand beside them while the others stayed back. Aelin raised the kitchen knife above her palm but before she could slice Rowan snarled and ripped the blade from her hand- quickly swiping it against the back of his arm.
She sighed, "Buzzard."
Aelin flipped open the book in her hand, grabbing Rowan's arm to get some blood on her fingers, "Do you know the outside circle of wyrdmarks?"
Rowan nodded.
After minutes of the Night Court watching them create the rune on the ground it was finished, Aelin grabbed Rowan's arm. Her stronger water magic in this world allowed her to heal the cut quickly.
Aelin grabbed Brannon's book from where she had set it on the floor to copy from and moved to the edge of the collection of wyrdmarks- just like before, a circle of relatively simple wyrdmarks that created the base for the portal surrounded a large and far more intricate wyrdmark, determining the location- that she had copied from the book. Now all was left was to read the spell that was written in circles on the page. Aelin handed the book to Rowan- she wasn't sure but it would make sense the blood and the voice that read must be from the same person.
Rowan began to read, rotating the book in his hands. At first, nothing happened and Aelin felt hopelessness rise in her gut yet she pushed it down. She knew from before it would take reading the spell several times to create the portal. After a minute of reading something began to happen, very faintly the marks began to glow- not purple like before- but a deep green. Soon every line Rowan spoke the light would go brighter. Then every word the glow would grow stronger until a ball of ombre green light formed, floating a meter above the runes. Aelin watched, hope coursing through her veins, as a concave of swirling, lashing, green light extended into the dark air. Each breath she took the mouth of the tornado grew, it only revealed black nothingness until Rowan said the last word of the last line and a flash of light coated this gods blessed and gods cursed world- triggering the opening to another.
For once the gods had decided to bless her.
Before the light cleared and Aelin was able to see, she scented, she scented the ocean and- tears began to fall, she smelled Lysandra's ever changing scent that at its core would always stay the same- always stay loyal, she smelled Aedion's fire tipped scent screaming family at her- that no matter what happened what she or he said, there would always be a place for her beside him. And then she heard, she heard Aedion's voice snarl, "Will you please fucking shift, do you know how painful it is when you're in her body?" Then the light left this world and exploded into theirs- her's, making itself known. That same voice- Aedion's voice- cried, "What the fuck?" And Aelin saw his silhouette in the green blast and that was it- she couldn't wait any longer- she just hurled herself at him. And like always, he was there to catch her.
"Aelin?" he whispered into her neck tugging her closer, like he was scared this was all a dream.
"Aedion." she answered, she felt his sob rumble through her and his tears mix with hers.
He gasped for breath, "You are so-" he inhaled her scent, "fucking lucky I love you and missed you so much," he sobbed again, "because otherwise, I would be kicking your ass for what you did."
Aelin grinned against his cheek, "I missed you too, cuz."
He half sobbed- half laughed into her hair. She kissed him on the cheek and tore away, throwing herself into the awaiting arms of Lysandra, who had shifted back to her normal self.
"Thank gods Rowan found you." she said, embracing her tightly.
"Please," she replied, squeezing her, "I was the one who found him."
Lysandra pulled back- only slightly, "It doesn't matter- as long as you're here and safe."
Aelin's tears started again when she said, "I'm sorry I made you do take my place."
Lys smiled sadly, hugging her once more, "Don't be sorry, I am here to serve you, my queen."
And then Aelin realized the portal behind her was still opened, Rowan still hadn't stepped through- now frozen mid handshake with Rhysand.
It was Feyre who spoke, "You're a queen?" she asked, her eyes wide, mouth slightly ajar.
A grin spread on Aelin's lips, and Rowan nodded goodbye to the Night Court, stepping through the portal.
Before the gate between worlds winked out of existence Aelin said, "Thank you for your help- I don't know how this would work- but if you are ever in need of aid, call on Queen Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius of Terrasen. And I and my court will be there." She bowed her head in respect and the doorway between their word and her's closed.
SO THANK YOU ALL SO SO SO SO SO MUCH FOR THE JUST AMAZING AMAZING RESPONSE TO THIS STORY, THERE HAS NOT BEEN ONE RUDE PERSON- ALL OF YOU HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY ENCOURAGING AND YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS HAVE HELPED ME SO SO SO MUCH.
I love you guys :')
This is the last chapter. I hoped you enjoyed it. I really really do hope you do. Tomorrow ACOWAR is coming! I hope I didn't post this too late (I'm kinda relying on time difference.) I wish you all a wonderful day, a wonderful week, month, year. I'll probably focus on my neglected Hogwarts AU and One Shots (so if you want to read more of my stuff check it out), those are all ToG centered so I'm sorry to all your ACOMAF fans.
It's just so unbelievable that this got so much attention and thank you so much. I'm really sad to see it go.