The Love We Deserve - Azriel x OC

A warrior without any shoes

"thank you, for this. Again"

"it was a pleasure then, it's still a pleasure now" Cerridwen smiled, the soft brushes of her fingers through my hair a great comfort and I shut my eyes, savouring it.

"I cannot remember the last time someone did my hair before I came here" the words slipped out without intention "it's nice"

"we've done the duty of giving you traditional fae braids today. Those who know them, will recognise them as your strength." Nuala added as she searched through my wardrobe "now we just need something that matches that within your clothing."

"I was thinking I could wear the trousers, and a tunic?"

They both paused to look at me and I span around in my stool.

"I thought we had tempted you with the skirts finally"

I smiled at the joke.

"it's important to show them that I'm not just a human turned fae. I'm a warrior turned fae. They need to see that"

"Then perhaps now is the time" Cerridwen looked to her sister. I studied them curiously.

"Time for what?"

"The Shadowsinger insisted that they had them made for you"

Nuala pulled out a set of leathers, Illyrian fighting leathers.

"You cannot imagine the uproar they caused. Made for a woman."

"they're beautiful" I breathed, running my hand down them "he had them made for me?"

My eyes met Nuala's black swirling ones, something tender sitting in them.

"Quite some time ago."

"they're perfect"

The black leather was adorned with intricate swirls, resembling shadows ironically enough. Territorial male.

They dressed me in some leggings and a navy tunic before attaching the leathers on top. The daggers secured on my leg and chest, my sword on my waist. It was the first time I had been fully geared up since leaving the field.

But it didn't feel the same, there was no feeling of numbness. For a change, I felt pretty strong.

"now you look like a warrior" Cerridwen smiled, placing a hand on my arm as I looked at myself in the mirror.

"a warrior without any shoes on"

Shadows met me in the hallway as I walked towards the livingroom, tracking my every step.

"clingy little things" I muttered with a smile, "go tell him I'm on my way"

I watched them run away, following them until I could hear the others.

"we all ready?"

Heads turned and I smiled tightly, smoothing my hands down the leathers.

"they fit perfectly" Azriel spoke from where he leant against the wall and I grinned across at him, his eyes gleaming up at the gesture.

"of course they do. You practically know her inside out" Mor said teasingly.

"well not inside" Cassian winked and I rolled my eyes, shadows shoving against his chest before curling around me.

"alright" Rhys eased, "I think that's enough"

"Remember what we're doing there today. No fighting" Feyre reminded, and Rhys looked down at her with a raised eyebrow.

"maybe you should tell that to yourself darling"

"I can control myself" she defended, and I shot a look to Az who shook his head slightly.

"Hey" a voice called from the hall, and we all turned to look at Nesta who eyed us all stoically "make sure you tell them" her eyes turned to me and I nodded.

"anything specific you need me to say?"

"just make sure they understand" her lips thinned, grey eyes hardening.

"I will" I promised, "we'll be back soon"

She nodded, casting us a final look and I could've imagined the fact they lingered on Cassian just a split second longer than the rest of us. Maybe they had made some progress?

"ready?"

We all nodded, placing a hand on Rhy before we were gone. 

(another short chapter because the next one is gonna be long xx)