linnealaylay

[linnealaylay]

Favorite Maven lines?

ugh I have to read the books again but:

"The punishment she deserves. Really. Are my parties that bad?"

"I don't use my spies to track your emotions, Mare. No, my darling. I just know you better than anyone else."

"But yours is coming up, isn't it? I have no doubt we'll spend it together."

I forget the exact wording but something in his letters in Glass Sword about how Cal wasn't going to escape Mare's leash

"But if you'd like to return, and pretend you're doing it to save some nameless soldiers, then I'm happy to welcome you back."

"But I do so miss our conversations. You keep me sane, Mare."

"Jon said he couldn't see them, the dead futures. An easy lie. It let him manipulate me in a way even Samson couldn't. And when he led me to you, well, I didn't argue. How was I to know what a poison you'd be?"

"I like your hair."

"I tried, Mare."

The entirety of the bathtub scene

And that's all I can remember off the top of my head

[linnealaylay]

Why is Maven obsessed with Mare? Do you think he genuinely loved her?

I'd have to analyze the first book again (I lent my copy to a guy who turned out to have fourteen Title IX complaints against him so I am never getting it back), but I think it's a combination of her reminding him of Thomas and genuinely finding some sense of identity in the role he pretended to be for her. Remember he genuinely did have hesitation about betraying Cal before the dancing scene, and he also threw Elara off her when she was punishing her for speaking out of turn. (For the record Maven's "I almost died" line in The Knife's Edge is just him being a dramatic ass. However, I don't doubt he was risking rather severe pain in defying her, even if he was her son.) Her hesitation in the Sun Shooting scene I think spoke to his own resolve to sacrifice anything and anyone to accomplish his goals. He says something along the lines of the sacrifice paining him despite him knowing it must be done. I think he kind of admired her commitment to the Guard even as he was scheming against them. Her saying she loved him over his brother finally sealed the deal.

And then she chose death over being his queen.

As for loving her . . . it depends on how fine you cut the line between "care" and "love". Because he definitely cared about her. It was never enough for him, but he tried. Loving someone can be a longing for something you lack, this craving for connection, and he . . . lacked a lot. He wanted to love, at the very least. He just didn't know how.

[linnealaylay]

youre like the only account i look at on here for red queen content (specifically maven) so please go full psychological analysis on maven please. i love your posts they itch my brain perfectly

omygosh anon 🤭 tyyyy tyyyy

theres so much to say about maven and its kinda crazy considering he doesn’t get that much actual page time. so keep in mind that many people could have different interpretations of his character, since he is quite elusive. and i may or may notttt be biassed idk.

the first thing i believe: he's a character that, for all his supposed motivations, had no ambition or dream of his own. he was a complete vessel of his mother’s spite, so he makes for a pretty interesting paradox. mare was haunted by a ‘false’ maven that didn't exist (debatable). cal was haunted by an ‘erased’ maven that used to exist. what is maven haunted by? everything and everyone? he’s a ghost himself, he’s the one who usually did the haunting, but even when you get his POV in the books, there’s a tragedy in the negative space you find. there are clear holes in his psyche that he also subconsciously attempts to fill (his memories always fight to bubble to the surface, but they invoke feelings he can’t feel anymore) and never can. despite how pissed off he is at everyone and everything, he so very clearly yearns for love and approval, to the point where he is absolutely delusional about it. there he was, shocked that mare would reject him after he imprisoned and betrayed her and the scarlet guard. here’s him outraged that anabel lerolan would side with cal after he plotted her son’s murder.

elara basically sculpted a monster, and i don’t think that can be debated since its pretty clearly stated in text. even maven knew what she took from him and the extent of the abuse— but he didn't care because she gave him the love he craved. she couldn’t fill it all, if maven’s obsession with mare was anything to go by. i do think elara genuinely loved and adored him, but i don’t know if i would use the word ‘enabler’ for her because it seems too soft a word. maven is elara. elara dies and maven can’t survive on his own for long without her. he was her iron fist in a way, but neither had much interest in norta as a country like most scheming for the throne usually do– which i find so interesting. it wasn’t political, only personal.

now then there lies the debate of choice— some maven fans are completely comfortable heaping all of the blame onto elara and calling it a day. but i think even elara was failed in a similar way maven was. red queen is cool because it shows how evil is encouraged and nurtured in oppressive societies, how certain individuals even in privileged positions will be abused and neglected, how vices are taught to be hidden rather than treated and how violence is perpetuated as the surest, most permanent decree. every character is affected by this system in some way, and i could talk about it for years but i’ll save you the time. my point is that this would apply to maven, but that doesn’t make him void of choice. it’s sort of predictable that he would make the terrible choices he did in the series considering he never had the chance to escape what predestined narrative was already planned for him, but no one was physically forcing him to burn his initial into mare. no one was physically forcing him to try slaughter a whole race of people. no one physically forced him to blow up naercey, or taunt cal after forcing him to murder his dad, or psychologically torture mare when he kept her as prisoner. yes, there’s nuance but maven is also much too comfortable with being a terrible person, because thats what ultimately earns him love, respect and approval.

i don’t think maven could’ve been saved, not because 'the damage was too bad,' but because he had no desire to be saved, and no one but cal had wanted to put in the effort to save him. i always find it interesting how cal secretly resented mare for killing maven, even though it was such a longtime coming, and he would never voice it because considering all maven had done to her, she had more than the right. but i don’t want to yap so much about maven’s relationship with cal because i’ll be here forever. nor do i want to talk too much about his relationship with mare. i'll only say that when i was talking about his death scene i did mention how much of an impact both of them had on each other, how maven was so scary to mare because he was a viable twisted path that represented the worst of her. i think mare could’ve been (my biassed interpretation) a path for him too, but he was so far gone by the second book and especially after elara’s death that he never considered it (would’ve been too late for him then anyway). i have some thoughts on the chances of maven rehabilitating if he had the tools and will to. some thoughts. they won’t go here though.

lastly i just want to link this post which had super interesting additions by @lucy-the-cat that delves into maven from a psychological perspective. its sooooo well written and i still think about it to this day.

last thing i wanna do is glaze a bit so im just gonna 😭 its refreshing to see this sort of villain be portrayed as an mmc who isn’t attractively suave and super misunderstood and depressed and supremely intelligent for what he does– maven is intelligent and sad, but he's presented as a floundering, insecure, delusional brat that the fmc understands entirely. something so refreshing in how he can only either be hated, and at best, pitied.

[linnealaylay]

okay so I feel like I should clear a few things up from the “true villains of red queen” post, because I didn’t articulate my point well and people replied with valid criticisms.

Okay so someone (I don’t remember their name I’m sorry) commented about how Julian couldn’t really say anything about Elara and Maven to Tiberias the Older (I don’t remember what number he was sorry) because after his sister died Julian didn’t really have standing in court, he was just the royal librarian and his love got her tongue removed just for knowing what Elara did. So yes I accept it I was wrong, he had a pretty good reason not to say anything.

When I said Julian was at fault for what happened to Maven, I wasn’t trying to say he was entirely at fault. That’s my fault for not making that clear, I read the post back and yeah I could’ve worded it better. What I was trying to say was yes, Elara is entirely at fault for the abuse Maven suffered, she is the abuser. I just wanted to have like I don’t know a conversation about how Julian and Anabel contributed in a small way to Elara’s ability to enact that abuse. Not saying what happened to Maven was entirely their fault and I’m not excusing Tiberias the Older’s hand in it either, I think I said in an earlier post that his neglect also heavily contributed to Maven’s abuse. It’s just abuse is complicated thing right? There are a lot of components to it, and I just wanted to highlight that. No it wasn’t Julian’s fault that Elara abused her son.

I was just trying to point out how Julian’s and Maven’s relationship might’ve contributed to her being able to emotional abuse her son. I mean Julian and Maven don’t have a good relationship, even before Mare gets to the palace. The first thing Julian tells Mare is that Maven’s “his mother’s son.” So you can assume they’ve never really gotten along. But you can’t assume it’s because “Maven and Elara were trying usurp Cal” because they themselves said they only started scheming for the throne when Mare arrived, and Maven, despite not being able to feel love for Cal, still felt something close to it and had a somewhat decent relationship with Cal that he would hold onto in his own way until he spares Cal the pain of “killing his little brother” by pretending the boy he was supposed to be was never there in the first place So at least I assumed that wasn’t why Julian didn’t like Maven. The only other reason was because of what happened to Sara and his sister. Which when you think about it is crazy considering Maven wasn’t even born when that happened. But Julian can’t hold Elara accountable for it, she’s the queen, and he’s just a librarian, but he can in a way hold her son accountable for it. That’s all I was trying to say.

so no. I don’t think Julian is entirely at fault for Maven’s abuse. I’m not saying it’s all Julian���s fault that Elara abused Maven. I was just trying to have a conversation about how Julian and Anabel might’ve contributed to Elara’s means of abuse by giving her things like favoritism (on Anabel’s part) to manipulate Maven with. Just like Maven’s father did by neglecting his youngest son even though he did love Maven without being able to show it.

I’m open for a further conversation about this in the comments, and yeah, if you disagree that’s fine, we all have our opinions so yeah have a great day and thanks for reading this super long post

[linnealaylay]

i come back to say that maven's back had to be somewhat arched in that bathtub scene. he did not take his heat suppressants or something. because like what was that.

[linnealaylay]

Many things led to this day, for all of us. A forgotten son, a vengeful mother, a brother with a long shadow, a strange mutation. Together, they've written a tragedy.

- Red Queen♡

[linnealaylay]

this artwork was commissioned by @fairyloot character is Azriel from the ACOTAR book series by @sjmaas hope you all will like it xoxo 

[linnealaylay]

one of my absolute favorite things about the multi povs in King's Cage - War Storm, is the fact that every single person that had a pov chapter (besides Maven) has called or referred to Maven as a child.

I rly wish I had ss for this but I'm too lazy to go through every chapter to find them (💀)

but I remember that the more the story went on, the more the characters began to realize what a child Maven was. which is ironic considering the fact that he turned from a boy prince that no one looked at to the King of Norta who everyone feared.

everyone slowly began to realize what a child Maven Calore truly was. and it's almost haunting. the only person who I feel always knew was Cal.

[linnealaylay]

thought i would drop this here

[linnealaylay]

You guys ever have those Red Queen moments, where you think it has symbolisim but really, it's just an added detail to that scene? (But deep down, you still think there is, just can't point a finger👉 as to why🤔)

Yes? No? Well I have one.

Remember the iconic moment in King's Cage where Maven removed his gloves🧤 with his teeth?

Later in the book while Mare was being rescued, she saw a fallen Scarlet Guard member and took her red bandana🚩, tied it around her wrist with her teeth.

Then in the Marecal chapter of King's Cage, when they were being intimate in the forest. Cal unlatched his flamemaker bracelet🔥 with his teeth.

My take, though please feel free to add, cause I'm just pulling this out of thin air:

Cal unlatching his flame bracelet in front of Mare would mean that he trust her enough to not have it around her, maybe he removed it as to not hurt Mare since he hadn't done it with anyone before, or simply showing us how familiar he is at his bracelet that he could easily remove it with his teeth, since it's a part of him. It might also be a foreshadowing of Cal abdicating his throne in War Storm.

While Maven, is a bit tricky, as maybe he just wants to show off what he can do with his teeth, cause he made a show of it to Mare or the simple gesture of him being polite, even infort of his prisoner. An odd behavior he carries throughout Mare's imprisonment. Such as making her wear expensive clothes, a nice room with a small window and having meals together. Then I googled what gloves symbolizes, as it embodies power, protection and nobility. Things Maven lost when Iris betrayed him.

While all three used their teeth, Mare Barrow is the only one of the three to tie the object to her, while both Calore brothers untethered themselves from it. As if she is embracing and taking on her role as a faceless member of the Scarlet Guard. Her desire for revenge reignited when she tied the red bandana around her wrist before wreaking havoc during her escape. Establishing her stubborn loyalty to her cause and her blood.

[linnealaylay]

“She is my wife,” Cardan says. “The rightful High Queen of Elfhame. And most definitely not in exile.”

[linnealaylay]

this artwork was commissioned by @fairyloot character is Hunt from the Crescent City book series by @sjmaas hope you all will like it xoxo

[linnealaylay]

Why I Ship Mareven and Yes, I'm Aware that They're Toxic

I've noticed a couple of posts questioning how some readers ship Mareven given how toxic it was and proceed to list off all the terrible things that they did to each other through out the series.

Before I start my rant. Warning, this is long and I might just ramble at the end. Also please be reminded that these are MY reasons, as to why I enjoy this ship. I don't represent the whole Mareven shipping team. I made this post based on MY observation and the desire to absolve myself from the feeling of shame for liking Mareven.

We can't deny it. Anyone who read the series, even just the first book could easily tell that Mareven is toxic.

Which leads to the most common question for this ship. Why is Mare and Maven still being shipped even after Maven's betrayal and even past Glass Sword?

Simple, it's their unique and complex dynamic. They are both deeply flawed characters that have frightening similarities. Which could have lead to a wonderful friendship or a romantic one.

However, due to their social status and political beliefs. Mare joining the Scarlet Guard to free the Reds and Newbloods from Silver rule. Maven wanting to be king of Norta and was willing to do ANYTHING to keep his crown . They are of opposition to each other's goals, which lead them being sworn enemies. Causing severe pain and suffering to the other, when given the opportunity.

Yet, there would be moments between the cruel actions and harsh words. Where one of them would show affection in hopes of rekindling what they had and the other mourning the person that they thought they knew.

Even viewing them through the lense of a non-shipper. They have a fascinating exchange of dialogue and the uncomfortable amount of tension whenever they are near each other, even the mere mention of the other's name would momentarily push them off balance. There was simply no dull moment between these two.

The REAL question should be: "Is Mareven being a toxic ship REALLY the reason some readers dislike the ship OR is there something else at play?

Before I continue: It's understandable not to like a ship, if a toxic relationships between fictional characters aren't your cup of tea.

However! I don't think "being toxic" should be the daming reason to fully drop a ship and EXPECT everyone else to do so. Because I feel that those Mareven Ship "Dislikers" don't seem to detect the MAIN cause of their dislike for this ship.

I think the dislike of the ship could be attributed from some Mareven fanfics and shippers. Maybe they dislike how they treated Mare and Maven when paired together.

For example: Mare being seen as an object or tool in fixing Maven and making him happy. Void of any emotion or flaws, as she is simply an extension to the desires and fantasies of the writer. Other cases, some Mareven shippers openly trash Mare for not reciprocating Maven's affections, as they see him as a unloved child that needs a hug. Seeming to forget that Maven is completely capable of committing atocities against the people he "loves" and other characters that were unfortunate enough to encounter him and his mother.

The simplification and misinterpretation of both complex characters once they are viewed as a couple is frustrating.

Which is why I think the EXTERNAL FACTORS, such as SOME Mareven fanfics and shippers surrounding the Mareven ship, are MOSTLY the cause that ignited the dislike for the ship not just Mareven being toxic.

To put it simply, there is nothing wrong or shameful for liking a toxic ship like Mareven. It does not AUTOMATICALLY mean you have a twisted perception of what a functioning relationship should be nor have poor reading comprehension.

I also noticed that some of those post that dislike Mareven are also Maven fans, claiming that Maven is their favorite character and are also aware of his flaws (and crimes).

So, I can even throw the same argument to them.

What's the difference between liking Maven Calore, one of the main antagonist of the series that caused harm to a number of characters, and liking Mareven that is a toxic ship where both characters were toxic towards each other?

Note: Since it's a veey messy essay. I am more than open for a discussion.

[linnealaylay]

i'm almost done rereading Glass Sword by Victoeia Aveyard, and I've just realized something about Cal that I didn't notice before.

Growing up, Cal was never my favorite. I favored Maven so much, maybe even a little too much. So, Cal was very annoying to me? I hated his every line and I was very irritated with every word he said and every action he took. But I was 13 at that time.

I am 17 years old now. And I've found a sense of maturity I didn't realize I had once discovering this.

Cal Calore is a burning flame. He is passionate and driven, with a kind heart, but he is indecisive, and this flaw drags him down.

I noticed just how often his trauma is overlooked. Cal lost everything. His mother, at a young age. His father. His brother. His friends. His kingdom. His home. His titles. The list goes on. He was taken from everything he knew and slammed down into an entire new world.

He wasn't even welcomed by the Reds. The first thing they did to Cal was lock him up alone when they reached Tuck.

And then when they met Nix, Nix was immediately taunting Cal for being "seduced by Mare into killing his father", but once Cal reveals the truth of what happened, they all fell silent.

No one. Not a single person, except probably Mare, has asked Cal if he was okay.

Cal lost everything. I mean literally everything. And not once in the whole book did we see him cry, break down, or fall apart.

That is a kind of strength I could never imagine.

[linnealaylay]

something in my soul is touched when i reread the scene in war storm where maven goes to mare's stilts home and destroys it

it feels like he was in mourning, you know? because he had lost her. he lost her so so many times, but she was so close to him THIS time and she slipped right between his fingers like cupped water.

and it specifically feels like mourning because maven calore didn't feel love. all he ever felt was loss and the idea of love that was more leaned toward obsession. so instead of mourning in sadness and depression like he did with thomas, he mourned with rage and destruction with mare.

[linnealaylay]

Was trying to think of the reason of the Love Triangle between the boys and Mare and I think I got something down lol.

— Kilorn is the representation of Mare’s life as a Red and of her past, being the reason why she’s so overprotective and constantly wanting to keep him safe. But also not wanting to pursue him romantically because her life as a Red was horrible, and because of how much hatred he harbors for Silvers and that of the unknown (back when he found out she’s a Newblood and didn’t react positively). Her rejecting Kilorn is a milestone for her, refusing to let her hatred and anger of Silvers and of her identity as a Newblood consume her.

— Maven represents War and the present, a person she is afraid of becoming because of the similar circumstances they were both brought into. They were used and turned into people neither of them wanted to be, making Mare afraid that she’s capable of becoming just as bad of a person. Because of war shes made to change, forced to do things she doesn’t like. She pursues him at the start because it’s easy to find comfort in war and anger, especially when it’s painted with rose tinted glasses. But through the series she shows distress in Maven, each time distancing herself from him. In a way, killing Maven signified letting go of the war. That it doesn’t define her.

— Lastly Cal, being Peace and the future. From the very start we see Cal as someone soothing, the person who hears Mare out and offers her the job position in Summerton. Mare is hesitant to seek him out romantically and at times loathes him, but he is also the only other person who understands her. Cal had constantly shown support and compassion to both Silvers, Reds, and Newbloods through the series (showing distaste when Mare kills Silvers, sneaking out at night into red villages to be a better king, etc.) He is a constant warming presence for her, even if she doesn’t seek it. Though Mare sometimes clashes with peace, as getting it is not easy by no means. In order to achieve peace sacrifices have to be made, and you have to let go of war. Seeking Peace in the midst of War can be hard, especially when you’ve faced so much tragedy. Coming to terms to it after war’s over is even harder. But in the end, Peace is what she needs the most to overcome the trauma and grief. It’s the one she stays with by choosing Cal.

[linnealaylay]

Ahhhhhhhhhhh this is perfect. Love the Kilron representation! Omfg. I. Am. In. Love.

I finally finished this series and I just needed to do these arts