Tamlin Redemption Arc

Tamlin redemption arc - P2

I woke to another blue sky. I had forgotten that this place was always sunny. Then I realised that had slept leaning against a tree, through the night, in a forest with no shelter - which was impossible considering we were in Prythian where beasts roamed the land. Then I realised I was not alone. My head was heavy when I raised it but all thought of my pain eddied out of my head when I found myself staring deep into emerald eyes; that colour of spring fields and forests.

Tamlin.

He was laying on his front in his beast form, the golden fur- once shining - was matted and dirty. He looked tired. Defeated. Guilt ruptured from somewhere inside me as I realised I was the cause of it. Tamlin cocked his head inquisitively.

'Th-thank you for looking over me.' I continued, I assumed the only reason I wasn't currently ripped into carrion and being devoured by a beast was because of the High Lord in front of me.

'How are you faring?' I knew the answer - Lucien had given us enough reports to get the gist of it. Tamlin seemed to know it too, giving me an amused glance that said How do you think?.

As I stared at him, and he stared at me, I felt all of the anger and pain that I normally felt when thinking about him, but this time it was different. I realised that I understood why he had done what he did, it did not excuse his actions, but... The fae mind was vastly different from the human one. It would go to desperate measures to protect the ones it loved from harm. Rhysand had kept the truth from me to protect me - I knew that I probably would as well. I knew that I would lay down my life for the life developing within me. So though his actions were wrong - though they were stemmed from some twisted thought of love in his mind. I realised that carrying all this anger and pain was a loose end in my life. I saw Nesta in my mind, struggling with her guilt and anger.

Perhaps my body had led me here for a reason, to this land where it all began. I looked back into those verdant eyes; full of pain and regret.

'I forgive you.'

His surprise was blatant. But I continued.

'I forgive you Tamlin, but you need to get yourself together. You have people that need you - you are a High Lord. If I forgive you, then they will. Rebuild the court - for what it's worth, if you need help - I will help you. A new beginning Tamlin, a chance to make your lands better.'

The silence that followed was too long, I shifted awkwardly until he finally nodded his horned head, I almost sighed of relief.

He finally spoke then, his voice was hoarse from disuse. 'I will return to the manor, do you want me to take you there,'

'Yes, please.' I was too tired to winnow.

After a moment, I was wrapped by warm spring wind and I bid farewell to this pond of starlight as I was returned to the manor.

As soon as we arrived, Tamlin shifted, his form becoming a High Fae body and his horns becoming golden hair. He marched off to the manor, and I watched in wonder and accomplishment as the thorns and rose bushes slowly receded front of the place where they were strangling the house, the ripped out oak doors were lifted back into place and as Tamlin disappeared through them, he turned. I could see his mouth move.

'Thank you,' he said.

Though I slept through the night, I was exhausted from the previous day's exertion. Perhaps going on a spontaneous wilderness walk while heavily pregnant was not the most clever thing.

I finally re-opened the gap in my mental wall to my mate. I felt guilty for leaving so suddenly and not contacting, I could imagine the worry he felt. Though I hoped he hadn't murdered my sister, I was fairly sure Cassian wouldn't let him. Again, hopefully.

Rhys. I murmured into the black abyss.

His response was immediate. Feyre. The way he said it, so full of fear and relief - I hated myself for doing that to him.

I'm ready to come back now.

I'm on my way, Feyre darling. He replied, now doubt he had started winnowing as soon as I had opened up my shield.

I unsuccessfully tried to untangle my hair as I waited for him to arrive. The difference of the place was already visible. The plants were almost glowing, obviously happy that their High Lord had returned, the Manor was still magically repairing itself. Tiles were floating up to the roof, shattered windows were fusing back together.

When he arrived, I felt his warm hands seek their way around my ballooned middle and I rested my head on his chest as he held me close, he was shaking from relief. His calloused hand cupped my cheek as he forced me to look into his those violet eyes. My worries faded away as I looked into them.

'Everything is going to be all right,' he said, confidant in his tone.

'I know,' I replied, with a small smile on my face.

Rhys looked at the Manor and chuckled.

'I should've known you were going to do something like this, Cursebreaker,'

'You really should have known by now.'

'I love you Feyre darling.' His eyes shone when he said it, and my heart mellowed.

'I know,' I said curtly as he winnowed us back home.

'I love you too,' I said as I placed my mouth onto his, 'Always,'