Chapter 198

Walking along the path beneath the orange trees, Lucien felt himself relax. Despite not living in the Autumn Court for so many years, some part of him still felt as if this place were home. As leaves every shade of flame fluttered down around them, Lucien turned his eyes toward the canopy. He reached for Elain, finding her hand without so much as needing to glance her way, and he felt the appreciation that moved though her when she looked up at the leaves as he had.

"Wow…" She murmured, and Lucien smiled, pleased that she could see the beauty here as he did. It pleased something deep within him that she could have this reaction to the place in which he grew up.

"I used to love walking this road." He told her, and she squeezed his hand gently. Lucien's heart quickened at the gesture.

"I can see why." She leaned against his side, "It is absolutely stunning."

Lucien nodded his agreement, casting a glance down at Elain as she matched his stride. His eyes went back to the trees then, and he allowed himself a deep breath, drawing in all those familiar Autumn scents. These trees, these sounds, these smells all used to bring him relief, relaxation, even joy, when he would sneak out here to hide from his brothers as they had looked all over for him. This had been one of Lucien's refuges, and it sparked those same feelings in him now. When Elain moved closer, Lucien wrapped an arm around her shoulders, tucking her in against his side.

"Do you think Eris knows we are here?" Elain asked, and Lucien nodded again.

"Certainly." Helion's voice was deep, and Lucien glanced around at his father. He and Elain had both convinced Helion to accompany them to the Mabon celebrations in the Autumn Court. The High Lord had agreed to come as a balm to strengthen ties to other Courts, preparing for the Trade Routes and the roles they must all play. Lucien knew that it was also to see Ashk. Helion hadn't admitted as such, and Lucien doubted that his father ever would admit such a thing, that did not mean that it wasn't obvious, however. Elain had thought the same thing, Lucien considered, another glance going his mate's way. She had seen right through Helion's claims about friendship and trade routes.

When they had discussed Helion's choice later in their suite, Elain had asked the question that had solidified Lucien's suspicion. If Helion only cared about the trade routes, then why didn't he schedule a meeting with Eris and the other High Lords, why hadn't this been dealt with as yet another thing to do. Not that he truly minded. He had been learning quite a deal about the inner workings of the Day Court, and he supposed that might be another reason he was keen to visit Autumn. It was familiar and he knew his role. Even with things different with Eris on the throne, Lucien knew what was expected of him. Eris did hold a more formal court than many others, though. Perhaps, Lucien figured, this was why it was so easy to work out one's place in this Court. Follow the rules.

One emotion after the next hit Elain down the bond from Lucien from the moment they left the Day Court. She could feel him go from nervous excitement, to just flat nervousness, the apprehension came next, then the fear, quickly replaced by familiarity and enjoyment. She could still feel that a part of him thought of this as his home, and she knew that he must feel immense relief that he could finally return here without risking his life.

"Once," she said, leaning into him and pressing her cheek to his shoulder, "You promised to show me things here…"

"I recall." He said, his russet and golden eyes looking down at her. "I am pleased that I will be able to do so." Elain looked up at him, wanting him to go on and, after a moment, he did. "There are a few places around the house and in the surrounding forests. I used to go and hide there every so often, either from my brothers, or just to have some time to myself if I grew tired of the library."

"I would like to see them." She turned her head to press her lips to his shoulder.

"Lucien?" this was the High Lord of the Day Court's voice, and Elain saw Lucien turn his head toward his father over his shoulder before the older male finished his question. "You've clearly been to the Mabon celebrations before. What is to be expected?"

Glancing up at Lucien for the answer, Elain listened carefully. She had done some brief reading about the traditional Mabon celebrations, but she was interested to know what Lucien thought if it all.

"Nothing all that elaborate." Lucien said, his tone light and casual. He lifted an arm and slung it around Elain's shoulders, tucking her into his side as they walked. "There are large tables prepared with the food and fruits of the harvest. Apples, grapes and the like. Whatever grows in abundance in the Autumn Court. These feast tables can be visited by anyone. There's feasting and dancing… often the younglings perform with the maypole… the sense of anticipation grows as everyone awaits nightfall and the fires are lit. It is the time to give thanks to the mother. During the night she will unite with her lover and fall pregnant with the harvest for the year… It is a time to give thanks for all that she has provided us with."

"Does the High Lord…" Elain began softly, "Like… Calanmai?" She hated that images of Lucien and Ianthe flashed through her mind. Lucien tightened his grip on her.

"Yes." He said, "But … it is the female's choice here."

"Oh?" Elain's eyes widened as she looked up at him. That was different.

"This is about the Mother…"

"That…" Elain smiled.

"The magic goes to them… they take it into them… it is a fertility rite." He slanted a glance at her, "Why do you think my mother had seven sons…?"

"Oh…"

"What happens then?" Helion asked, and Elain did not miss the rough tone to his voice as he redirected their conversation.

"The couples all disappear off into the trees… to perform their rites. They generally spend the night out there, returning in the morning with the light of the new day."

"Does everyone who attends generally finish the night in the woods with…" She didn't know how to finish that question, but Lucien shook his head.

"It is an open ritual." Lucien replied, his voice still light and casual, "Families bring their younglings… there's feasting for all. Those from the poorer farming communities even make the trip to the Forest House for the chance to feed their families from the tables. It's actually quite pleasant." He smiled down at her, "Typically they leave before the couples begin venturing off into the trees…"

Elain nodded, thinking about that. She wondered, with a smirk on her face, just what Nesta and Cassian would make of the traditional Mabon celebrations and if they even knew what was involved.