A Court of Song and Shadow

Chapter 1: Gwyn

Gywn often got caught up in the sights of Velaris. After spending so much time in the library, she could always find new things to surprise her in the beautiful city. New things that could take away her ever lessening fear of being out of the home, that was all she had known for so long. Now, she was walking along the river, humming quietly to herself. The water always soothed the maelstrom of thoughts she had while walking on her own, the ebb and flow always caught her in a sense of peace, a sort of calm that she knew came from her nymph heritage, and then there was the humming. The humming was the thing that helped whenever and wherever she needed it to. If the situation was too bad, the hum would turn into soft singing, the calm that came from focusing on a song was better than any water she was near. She shook herself out of her state and looked over to her friend talking quite fervently at her side.

Nesta, one of the only friends Gywn had, walked with her along the river toward the estate that the High Lord and Lady called home. Gwyn had forgotten she was there. "Sorry, what were you saying?" Gwyn said, looking at her hands. Nesta sighed. "Do you ever listen? Tell me you at least got half of what I said." She replied with a small breathy laugh. "I can't say I did." Gwyn confessed. "I'll admit, I'm a bit nervous about tonight." "It's just the usual people" Nesta said, side glancing with a knowing smirk at Gywn. " What? Huh? No, I know, still..." Just as Nesta opened her mouth to respond, a loud familiar voice echoed down the street. They both turned to see Emerie, striding swaggeringly toward them. With a smile covering most of her face she reached her friends and put her arms around them.

Emerie, the other friend Gywn had, was always making her presence known. She stood tall and proud, even with her clipped wings. She looked tougher than any Illyrian warrior Gywn knew, even though she didn't know many, just Cassian and Azriel. Emerie was the sort of friend that could make any social gathering a party, just put her and Cassian in front of a few bottles of liquor and you were sure to have an... interesting night. "What were my favorite people chatting about?" Emerie said with that smile still plastered on her face. Nesta and Gywn responded at the same time.

"Nothing, just how Gwyn is nervous to be going out with the group tonight."

"Just talking about the party."

Nesta added a small wink at the end of her sentence. Emerie, ignoring Gywn's response, turned to her. "Why, dear friend, are you nervous? You have met all of these people multiple times, and you have become, in my opinion, good friends with some." Winking back at Nesta. Gwyn felt her cheeks warm, she knew who they were talking about.

Azriel.

They haven't talked much, less even to Nesta and Emerie's knowledge. But, her friends were always throwing looks and laughs, to tell Gwyn they knew exactly what she thought about the Shadowsinger. They weren't wrong. Of course, Gwyn found him interesting, he was secretive, brooding, and was a trained killer for Cauldron's sake. But, she saw him as a challenge, the new ribbon, and he was the first man she let near her after everything that happened. He made her comfortable with herself, but also strong. He was the biggest reason she was nervous tonight, they hadn't ever been to a "party" together before, so she had no idea what to expect.

She wanted to talk to him

and get to know him

and go to dinner with him

and maybe on a trip together

and then get married

and have a family

and-

"GYWN, OPEN YOUR EYES!" Emerie screamed, grabbing Gwyns face and examining her. "She's not listening, again, she's probably thinking about all the ways she can run away before we get to the house." Nesta said, hooking her arm in Gwyn's and patting it gently. "It'll be alright, I have no intention of staying longer than I need to." Emerie hooked herself on Gwyns other arm and they trotted along together. "Great." Gwyn said with a soft smile.