Chapter Text
CHAPTER 6: BEING FAE
A few days later, the Archerons met Cassian on the roof top for training. Illyrian leathers had been left in their suites for them to train in.
Nymeria took them through their normal warmups and then deferred to Cassian for the lesson. He smiled appreciatingly at her.
He took them through different stances and strikes. They all worked hard. Nesta gritted her teeth and pushed through the pain. Her calves were burning with effort. She said angrily ‘I am going to hack off Hyberns head’ Her silver eyes met Cassian’s, and he gasped.
Azriel watched frowning ‘Nesta can you feel any powers?’ She nodded ‘I can’t let go, I don’t know what would happen’ He nodded ‘Don’t worry, we will work out how to train your powers’
Nym asked ‘Does it feel like a wave waiting to burst free?’ Nesta nodded ‘You too?’ Nym nodded warily.
Nesta asked ‘Does it look different behind the veil?’ Nym nodded ‘Yes, I see even more detail. I have to work out what it all means’
Azriel suggested ‘There is a library in this mountain. You could ask the librarian for some books to help you’ Nym smiled ‘Okay, good idea’
They stumbled into the kitchen after training. Nym groaned ‘My butt hurts’ Cassian roared with laughter. Rhys grinned ‘Good workout?’ Nym nodded ‘Footwork’ He hugged her. She said, ‘I need a butt massage’ Nesta gasped ‘Nym!’ Cassian roared with laughter.
Rhys purred ‘I will happily give you a massage’ Nym grinned and hugged him tightly. He looked at her adoringly. Nesta stared ‘Nym, do you need a chaperone?’ Nym glared at her ‘No, I am an adult’ Nesta crossed her arms and glared at Rhys.
Elain sighed ‘Nesta, human society rules don’t apply anymore. Nym is an adult’ Nesta glared ‘She will always be our little sister’ Nym grinned at her defiant and hugged Rhys tighter.
Rhys changed the subject ‘So training went well?’ Nym nodded ‘Yes, it was fun. Cass and Az are good instructors’ Cassian gave her a boyish grin ‘You are too Nym’ she smiled ‘I am glad training will still be a part of our lives’
Rhys said earnestly ‘You can do anything you like’ Nym gestured at Nesta ‘Nesta likes reading and dancing. Elain likes gardening and baking. Feyre likes painting and archery. I like training and music’
Cassian commented, ‘All of you are arty’ Nym smiled ‘Ladies are encouraged to have at least one arty hobby’
Rhys explained ‘Every court has different traditional dances. It would be a good idea for all of you to learn them’ Nesta tried to hide her excitement. Nym grinned at her. Nesta gave her a look and then said ‘Okay, you have won me over. That was quick’ Rhys laughed, and they all joined in.
He held Nyms hand and said ‘Nym, I think you are amazing. Will you let me officially court you’ Nym grinned ‘Yes, I would like that’ Nesta nodded at Rhys approvingly.
Elain confided, ‘This is a lot more laid back than the lunch Feyre is having in Spring’ They all stared at her. Azriel asked ‘What can you see?’ Elain said ‘Too much food piled high in the dining room. Tamlin, Feyre, Lucien and Ianthe are sitting at the table’
Rhys gasped ‘Ianthe?’ Elain nodded warily ‘Ianthe, Tamlin and Hybern are responsible for us being kidnapped and made fae’
Nesta asked ‘What are they talking about?’ Elain frowned ‘Feyre is telling off Ianthe for telling Hybern about us. Tamlin is defending Ianthe. Lucien is trying to help Feyre’
Nesta asked ‘Does Tamlin realise Feyre doesn’t love him?’ Elain shrugged ‘He doesn’t care. He wants her for his wife’ Nym asked ‘Does he realise she’s more interested in Lucien?’ Elain shook her head ‘Not yet’
Nym grinned ‘Its handy you being able to check on Feyre like this’ Elain looked wary ‘Handy for everyone else. Loud for me’
Rhys said warily ‘Ianthe is bad news. She is a corrupt high priestess’ Elain added ‘She works for Hybern. She influenced Tamlin to go to Hybern to break your bargain’
Nym asked ‘What information is Feyre trying to get in Spring?’ Rhys said ‘What the bargain with Hybern was. What Hybern is planning. What part Tamlin is playing. How many troops and where they are. Hopefully Feyre will get a good idea of what Tamlin is planning’