A Court of Shadow and Song

Chapter 5

Azriel POV

Somehow, Gwyn finding out about the necklace only brought them closer, while driving Elain further away. In the days leading up to their departure, Gwyn and Azriel spent much of their time together training and preparing for their trip to the Autumn Court.

The morning of their departure, Azriel walked into the training ring only to find Gwyn, sword in hand and a dozen ribbons hanging around her. He watched quietly as Gwyn's sword sliced through the first ribbon, she pivoted on one foot to slice through the second and shot out her arm to cut down the third. This continued until all twelve ribbons were sliced and sweat glistened across her brow.

Azriel clapped slowly, walking farther into the ring. Gwyn smiled and gave him an over exaggerated bow. "Thank you, Shadowsinger." Wiping the back of her hand across her brow, she lowered the sword and walked over to him.

"Quite an interesting training routine to be doing just before we leave."

"I like cutting the ribbons," She sighed, "It reminds me of what I have accomplished. Of what I am capable of... That I am a Valkyrie."

"You needed that reminder today?" Azriel's brows furrowed.

"I did... I'm scared and I hate to admit that... I don't want to fail."

"Gwyn," Azriel took a tentative step closer, "You won't fail. And I would never let anything happen to you there. You will be safe." These words he vowed to himself as well. He would protect her this time. Gwyn smiled gently, seeming to understand where his thoughts drifted to. They would go together and they would come back together, Azriel vowed.

~*~

Azriel and Gwyn joined the rest of the circle in front of Rhys's home. Everyone was set to leave, ready for battle and anything to come. The group exchanged quick goodbyes and, to Azriel's surprise, Elain pulled Gwyn into a hug, whispering into her ear before turning to Azriel and giving him a curt nod.

"Az," Nesta snapped his attention to her, "Keep my friend safe." She said, pulling him into a hug. Azriel softened, hugging the female that had become his sister.

"On my life." He replied. Nesta turned to Gwyn and hugged her tight.

"And you protect the Shadowsinger. Stubborn Illyrian asses. They always get themselves into trouble." Azriel rolled his eyes but felt his own heart swell when Gwyn's response echoed his own.

"On my life."

The groups broke off, bidding farewell and each heading out to their own destinations. "Ready?" Azriel asked, pulling Gwyn gently to him.

"Ready as I'll ever be." He did not miss the way her voice shook. His hands tightened on her reassuringly.

"You are a Valkyrie. You are the warrior that won the Blood Rite. You are ready." She nodded and Azriel stepped through the shadows, emerging on the outskirts of the Autumn Court.

~*~

"Ah, so they didn't send the brute." Eris's voice was the first thing Azriel heard as they stepped out of the shadows. He did not have time to respond, however, because Gwyn bent over and threw up her breakfast directly onto Eris's feet. It was a better response than Azriel could ever muster. "Delightful." Eris grimaced.

"Sorry." Gwyn's face was as red as her hair, "I've never traveled that way. Thanks for the warning, Azriel." Azriel smirked but remained silent.

"Well... Let me show you to the home I have prepared for you on my grounds. And then I can burn these shoes."

"Sorry." Gwyn said again, following the Heir to the Autumn Court.