Heal me

6

Day before Solstice

It was evening and you were seated in your favourite armchair, wrapped in a blanket, immersed in reading a book that Tamlin brought for you.

The mentioned High Lord was hanging around most of the day, accompanying you on your strolls, helping you with small tasks, returning to his manor only to change clothes or bring a roasted meat for meal. It became a habit that you grew to like. You got even used to his sudden mood swings. There were days he wouldn't say a single word, sadness and pain creating a dark cloud above his head. But otherwise he was kind and pleasant companion, occasionally even funny and playful.

The door behind you opened and closed, heavy steps crossed the room and stopped in front of the fireplace, throwing few logs into the fire and piling the rest next to the fireplace.

The pungent smell of magic filled the air and you instantly knew he cleaned his clothes and the mess he'd made. Your heart squeezed with panic, breathing became difficult. It was incomprehensible fear that had rooted deep inside of you. You had no idea where it came from, but it was always there, making you curl into yourself, locking your muscles in a place. No matter how many times he used magic in your presence, you couldn't get used to it. Tamlin seemed to notice it and refrained from using his powers as much as possible, which you were really grateful for.

"Y/N," he said just a breath away from your ear, making you wince. You looked up at him, surprised he got so close in a blink of eye. A wide smirk plastered on his face. "Do you know what day is tomorrow?"

You blinked not comprehending what answer he wanted to hear from you. "It's Tuesday today, so tomorrow is Wednesday. Is that what you are asking?" you frowned.

"Silly," smiling kindly he patted top of your head, a habit he picked up recently. "It is Solstice." He was looking down at you with expectation.

You tilted your head to the side, waiting for an explanation. Solstice. It's word you had heard before. One of your friends briefly mentioned it once. But you couldn't remember what the little selkie said about it.

Tamlin seemed to be disappointed by lack of your enthusiasm. "It's a holiday, Y/N," he sighed sitting down in armchair next to yours, new addition to your cottage. "Families and friends usually gather, have a festive dinner, exchange gifts, spend some time together. Have you never celebrated it?"

"I guess no, I don't remember it," you said. And there it was again, the emptiness. Tamlin searched your face, your eyes for any gleam of feelings, sentiment, anything, but there was nothing. You were blank as a sheet of unwritten paper. Could it be caused by memory loss?

Tamlin let out a long breath, decided to let it be for now. "Well.. What do you think about having a festive dinner tomorrow? Together. Nothing big, just a small celebration."

You shrugged, suddenly remembering the redhead male. He asked you to not mention his visit before he disappeared and you complied even though you had mixed feelings about it. He also said that he was Tamlin's friend. Did it mean he would come too?

"Will there be.. Uhm.. Do you expect any guests?" you asked carefully.

Tamlin's smile turned sad. "No, unfortunately there's nobody left from my family as well as friends. It will be just two of us."

You had grown used to his smiles and teasing so much recently that your heart hurt seeing him like this. There wasn't much you could do to cheer him up. You placed your small hand on his bigger one, squeezing it lightly. You smiled as brightly as possible. "So what do we need for the party?"

Day of Solstice, Velaris

Lucien walked slowly down the street, heading to the River House. Feyre had invited him to their family party. He didn't want to disappoint her, still feeling to be in debt for everything that happened, especially, for all he didn't do to help her when she needed him. He didn't have anything to do nor anywhere to go, so he couldn't decline anyway.