The Whispers of Shadows - A&A One Shots

music in the hewn city

There was something about the music in Velaris; always playing gentle, smooth tunes, or the folk jigs that had everyone wanting to dance. Aurora adored the sounds coming in through the windows in the mornings and lulling her to sleep in the night. It was more commonly instrumental music. Aurora's favorite was when the fae brought out their voices.

Nyx, in his younger years, despised training with Cassian or Azriel. He enjoyed swordplay with Aurora, but never truly felt like a warrior as his parents and extended family. Aurora loved that about him. Feyre felt the same. When Nyx began maturing and realizing what he enjoyed was not training, but music and art. Even with his arrogance and warrior-like behavior, there was a gentleness to him that was well needed in the Night Court. The heir could stand his ground and protect what was his, though he could share stories through art and music.

To Aurora's surprise, Azriel and Nyx had bonded over music. She had heard her mate humming every now and then, and only heard his singing when he was drunk with Cassian and Rhys in Rita's, but when she stumbled upon Nyx's bedroom to the sound of two breathtaking voices, she learned Azriel had much more to him than she had thought.

Azriel taught Nyx to play several instruments: Lute, harp, fiddle, bagpipe, flute, and vielle. He taught him to control his voice and breath and use them to carry the music to places the instruments could never go. Though she had a love for the melodies, Aurora could never partake in singing or playing an instrument without making everyone wants to tear their own ears off. Still, she sat in on most practices and swayed along to their stories.

It took years for Nyx to convince Rhysand to allow him to entertain guests at the revels held in the Hewn City. Finally, with Feyre's persuasion, he allowed it. Now, debauchery and violence aside, everyone spun and dipped to the lovely tunes laid out by the heir. Aurora adored that Nyx was able to bring a type of bliss and light to a dark and miserable part of the Court.

Aurora stood leaned against an alcove nearest the musicians, bobbing her head to the adagio tunes. Her dress was no better than Feyre, Mor, or Nesta with its sheer fabric and showing skin. Warrior she may be, femininely she dressed. Bare thighs crossed and arms linked beneath her chest, Aurora's half-lidded eyes watch Nyx as he sang and played a lute with several others. To any onlooker, the sword on her hip and dagger on her thigh were the only hint that she was anything more than the females twirling and kissing in the crowd.

Aurora slid her eyes to the dais, spying Rhysand and Feyre speaking from their respective thrones. Cassian and Nesta were making a spectacle of a glorious dance and Azriel was watching the couple from his own station. Mor and Elain had disappeared hours ago, but reappeared with reddened cheeks and tangled hair, now sharing glasses of wine and several fruits laid on a platter.

Aurora's ear perked as soft footsteps neared from behind the alcove. All were accounted for, except her dear brother. She knew, by the smell of fire smoke and herbs, that he now stood beside her. She had seen Eris more times since that night she threatened him in this very room. Nearly three decades ago, now. They'd come to an understanding once he realized she was not a threat to his standing as next in line for the throne of the Autumn Court.

"The heir is a wonder," Eris murmured, taking a sip of blood red wine. Aurora hummed in response, not caring to look over at her brother. He was nothing more than an annoyance nowadays. They stood in silence and enjoyed the ending of the song. Nyx chose to leave the staged area for refreshments along the opposite wall, but paused when he saw Eris alongside Aurora.

"Eris," he acknowledged, raising a brow. He knew of the history between the male and his aunt, and never liked when Eris grew too near.

"Nyx," Eris responded, bowing his head lightly. Nyx's eyes flashed to Aurora, who gave the slightest of shrugs. "You sounded as glorious as ever."