#crazy-ache: acotar secret santa

[crazy-ache]

The room abruptly went silent. Jurian and Vassa nervously looked over at Lucien, whose fists were clenched as he shook with unmistakable rage. He had an astonishing control over his temper, but even he was bound to snap when this thoroughly tested.

Ironically, Elain was the calmest person in the room as she coolly looked over their newest guest. All the pain of the last year ebbed away, replaced by a cold, clear calm. She knew what she needed to do. She took a step forward, her fingertips brushing over Lucien’s wrist. It was only a slight touch, but it was enough; it was soothing and sent a message: that Elain would handle this situation herself.

Elain is about to unleash her feminine rage 😈

SANTAAAAA

Elain is about to kick Graysen’s ass into the continent, isn’t she?

This is so, SO good!! Every time Lucien struggles to restrain himself and his mate gives him immediate soothing with just a touch— I need it injected directly into my veins 😩😩 And Elain being so calm and collected but filled with feminine rage…it’s so perfect for her. You go girl.

You are so talented and feeding me! I really can’t wait for the whole story!

[crazy-ache]

HAHA Lucien’s expression is cracking me up. Weird!Girl Elain, you have captured my heart (just as you have probably stolen his hair while he was sleeping)

Canon Elucien once Elain accepts the mating bond🥰

(ignore the back of the page i have no blank paper)

[crazy-ache]

The rise of right-wing ideologies has me listening to the song labour by paris paloma…might find some feminine rage in your fic lol

-🤶

Who tends the orchards? Who fixes up the gables?

Emotional torture from the head of your high table

Who fetches the water from the rocky mountain spring?

And walk back down again to feel your words and their sharp sting

And I'm getting fucking tired

The capillaries in my eyes are bursting

If our love died, would that be the worst thing?

For somebody I thought was my saviour

You sure make me do a whole lot of labour

Okay Elain GO OFF!!!! Is she getting mad at Feyre? At the Inner Circle? Is she tired of having to help with everything and having her contributions/skills unappreciated? I just know Lucien would be supporting her too.

Can’t wait Secret Santa ♥️ Let it out.

[crazy-ache]

I’ve had a busy few days but SS is just checking in to ask how you’re doing :)

Love,

🤶

Oh hi secret santa!! @crazy-ache-secret-santa

Thank you for asking! I'm doing alright over here. I have been doing a lot of writing while also enjoying the spooky Halloween events this week (pumpkin carving and baking all things pumpkin and preparing for actual Halloween!). I finished a very long WIP, have been working on my SS stuff, and also am trying to quickly finish something for Lucien Week next week!

How are YOU doing??

I can't believe it's almost November...too excited for December!

❤️

[crazy-ache]

Hey love, here’s a secret snippet of what I’ve been working on 😏

Elain was very tired. She had stayed up all night knitting dresses for her only companions in Night. Nuala and Cerridwen had been paid to befriend her, but over time they had become true friends. She had learned of their hopes and dreams. Their mother was a beautiful woman who once insulted a witch. As a result, the witch cursed her to fall in love with her own shadow. Hence, they were born.

Shadow-wraiths were incredibly rare and coveted for their spy capabilities, but Elain knew them well enough to know that they did not wish to be spies at all. After their mother got tired of them and abandoned them at the mere age of 10, they had no choice but to accept their High Lord’s offer of employment. He was not invested in their well-being as he was with the Inner Circle, as evidenced by the fact that they had gone with Rhysand under the mountain while his friends were kept safe in Velaris.

The twins had told her…interesting things about what transpired under the mountain. Elain wasn’t sure even Rhysand’s friends knew the full details. Already filled with frustration at being coddled in the Night Court, the twins’ information had left her suspicious of the High Lord’s motives as well.

After much debate, including Elain plying Rhysand with wine to make him more reasonable, Rhysand had finally agreed to give her a greater purpose than nanny to Nyx.

“There is…unrest in Prythian. What with Koschei, Beron, and Spring, I am feeling concerned about the possibility of another war. I am not sure this nation would survive it. I’ve put Lucien up to the task of creating unity, but…I would like you to look after him.”

Elain raised a brow. “You mean spy on him.” Rhysand blinked in surprise at Elain’s bluntness, but admitted, “Yes. Considering who he has served in the past, I can’t be certain where his loyalties lie. Considering your��ties to him, he won’t suspect you of spying.”

Elain resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She did not know Lucien that well, but she knew enough to recognize that betrayal was highly out of character for him unless he had a very good reason. He was also certainly sharp enough to detect a scheme.

“I believe you’re underestimating the depth of his intelligence, High Lord,” Elain replied calmly. Rhysand waved her off. Whatever. It was an opportunity to see around Prythian, even if it was with a man she had been avoiding for a year and a half.

She swallowed as she recalled the highly unladylike dreams that followed the slightest thought of her…Lucien. She flushed pink as she considered the possibility that he might be able to feel those dreams through their bond.

“Alright. I will do as you wish,” she murmured. Rhysand offered her a polite smile. “Excellent. I know you won’t fail me, Elain.”

Elain came back to the present, her face splitting into a toothy grin as the twins came out of their rooms, wearing the dresses she had made them: Nuala a sky blue, Cerridwen a minty green. They were far cries from the dark clothes they wore as a uniform in Night. They were so delighted that their shadow form dissipated for a moment, revealing their true faces: a deep, rich, earth-tone to their skin, ruby-red eyes, and shiny black hair tied up in braided buns. They both rushed to embrace her, which was a strange feeling because they weren’t completely solid. It was like going underwater without getting wet.

“We owe you everything, Elain,” Cerridwen said. Tears trickled down her cheeks.

“Consider this payback for keeping a sad girl company,” Elain replied. Then she linked one arm in each of their’s and walked out of the bed chambers.

Elain found Lucien in an energetic discussion with Feyre and Cassian. Her older sister, Nesta, was sleeping with her mouth open on a couch nearby. Elain giggled softly at the sight. The sound of laughter drew eyes to her, and Elain watched Lucien’s laughter fade as his chocolate-brown eyes widened in uncertainty.

Of course; he must hate me, Elain thought. I’ve been treating him like something worse than typhus.

“Lady,” he said, overly formal, as he bowed his head very low. Elain clenched the skirts of her dress, at a loss for words now that she stood before the gentleman who was to whisk her away on an adventure.

“Lucien,” Elain whispered. She didn’t even notice that everyone had gone quiet in the room, too focused on Lucien. “The Fates foretold that you’d be here.”

What a stupid thing to say! Elain knew he’d be here because Rhysand had summoned him, not because of a prophecy. Stupid stupid stupid, she cursed herself, but rather than run away as any normal person would, Lucien offered a small smile. “Here I am,” he confirmed. Elain couldn’t help but shyly smile back. She had moved towards him before she’d even realized it, drawn in by his magnetic voice, his gorgeous smile…

He cleared his throat. “Rhysand has informed me that you wish to accompany me on my travels,” he said softly. Was it Elain’s imagination, or was there a hopeful tone to his voice?

“If it’s not too much trouble,” Elain said, suddenly overwhelmed with doubts. Why would he want her to accompany him when she’d spent so much time giving him the cold shoulder?

But to her surprise, he merely inclined his head. “No trouble at all. It would be my honor to show you around.”

Elain pursed her lips to avoid giggling. How embarrassing would it be to reveal how much he affects her in front of her in-laws? She looked down, unable to maintain eye contact with him. She lifted a hand to his, and he took it. Her lavender glove looked nice entwined with his emerald green one. Oh those gloves looked majestic on him. How she wished to-

Calm down, Elain snapped to herself. She was already going haywire. How was she going to survive the journey with him…all alone?

- 🤶

Ummmm Secret Santa! 🤶 You are spoiling me!

✍️ Secretly obsessed and flustered Elain ✍️Forced proximity ✍️ Rakish Lucien with some sexy gloves ✍️ TENSION!!!

Thank you for this sweet preview, you really have me kicking my feet. I can't wait to unwrap my gift 🎁 I was hoping I could learn more about you too! Did you have any music inspo when writing this? 👀 What do YOU enjoy about Elucien? And hopefully you are enjoying writing the fanfic???

[crazy-ache]

Heyyy it’s your Secret Santa again! No fic specific questions this time, just asking about you.

1. What’s your favorite color?

2. What’s your favorite book?

3. What’s your favorite movie?

4. What’s your favorite food?

5. Would you rather live in the city or the country?

Love,

🧑‍🎄

Hi Secret Santa!!! Oh lovely. Alright, let's see here...

My favorite color is green. Very natural tones of green - like pastel, muted, emerald tones.

It's hard to pick one, but maybe a tie between The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.

I don't watch a lot of movies in all honesty - I much prefer a TV series. BUT the one movie that stands out to me would have to be Everything Everywhere All at Once. Because it was amazing, emotional, funny, campy, action-packed, and thought-provoking. Which is my favorite mix of things for a movie.

Does...cheese count? Just cheese. That's my final answer.

I'm an adaptable person (I've lived in 5 different states in the last few years lmao), so I do like both. I'm a city girl at heart who has come to appreciate the country and likely who's lifestyle probably better fits the country now. Let's just say this - both but my only requirement in life is to be by the water. I NEED to have a body of water nearby. I need an ocean. Thanks for stopping by again. I can't wait to meet you!

❤️❤️❤️

[crazy-ache]

Hi, it’s me again. I don’t have anything to say because it has been a rough few weeks for me, but just came here to say ily and I’m amazed at how much you write❤️

🤶

Aw Secret Santa! ♥️ I’m sorry it’s been rough. I hope it gets better. I can imagine what you feel—this week just isn’t it for me either. I’m thinking of you and sending you virtual hugs! ILY

That’s really sweet of you to say. It’s been a crazy year of writing and the amount I write has steadily increased with lots of time and practice. I’m feeling really down this week (with my personal life, the state of the world, my writing, all those things you can imagine) so this gave me a little bright spot!

[crazy-ache]

Ok ok this is extremely specific, but…

I’ve seen Elain headcanons of her being a klepto and it got me thinking… do you think Elain would pluck a few locks of Lucien’s hair for safekeeping?

and then uses them to make a doll that she can admire whenever she misses lucien

Love,

🧑‍🎄

Hahaha oh Secret Santa, are you asking me if our dear Elain has reached Helga G. Pataki levels of obsession when it comes to Lucien's belongings?

While it's a hilarious thought, I don't think Elain has gotten there just yet. I do see her more in line with the Sansa x Sandor trope (from the books) of when Sansa picks up Sandor's cloak and wraps herself in it and later hides the cloak in a chest to keep.

She could not say why she kept it.

I'm picturing a drawer filled with all the gifts he has given her and anything else she has picked up (his gloves, his scarf, or a spare handkerchief), but the jacket is what she comes back to again and again.

Now I definitely do believe that once they are a mated couple, Elain would be her true, authentic weird girl self and keep a locket of his hair around her neck.

❤️❤️❤️

[crazy-ache]

My favorite thing about Elucien has got to be the tension!

The palpable desire for each other in the slightest touches, until the dam finally bursts and they have a sexy confrontation😩

The regency aspect makes it soooooo horny too! Imagine stolen glances across a ballroom, close dancing, Lucien lifting Elain by her waist onto a horse…it’s so intimate 😏

I also love that it’s two underdog characters and a second-chance love where they already know they’re mates from the get-go, kind of like an arranged marriage (a JUICY trope)

I don’t normally listen to Taylor Swift but you told me you like them and there are SO many elucien-esque lyrics that inspired me to write this! It’s always so fun writing elucien’s dynamic 🥰

Love,

🤶

My dear Secret Santa 🤶

I've got to agree with you on many of these things. I love Elucien as well because it has so many parallels to common regency tropes (reformed rake HELLO) and yes...all the intimacy details/opportunities building and building until a boiling point are *chefs kiss*

Arranged marriage is one of my all time favorite tropes. Aw yay! I'm so glad I could help spark a little inspiration.

Thanks for sharing!! I get excited every time you pop in!

With lots of love,

Your biggest fan hehe

[crazy-ache]

Your secret Santa has returned!

I know you’re not picky about what you want but I’m gonna ask anyway:

Who would you like to see “land the killing blow” on Beron, so to speak?

What is your opinion on the blood duel? Not talking about a Lucien-Azriel one, as Azriel will pretty much be absent from this fic😈

Have you read TOG and CC? If so who is one SJM character (aside from Elain and Lucien) who you think is really underrated?

You’re gonna love your gift (i hope)

🤶

Secret Santa!!! Oh my…you’re asking me questions I thoroughly enjoy…you really get me

1) I know there’s a lot of opinions on this one. My personal vote is for a tag team effort between Lucien-Eris-and-Lady of Autumn. I think Lucien does deserve to enact some revenge on his cruel father who literally murdered his lover and exiled him from his home/family. (If you read TOG, I always think back to all the Dorian and Lucien parallels). And I also support the need for LoA to get her revenge as well for all the suffering Beron caused/keeping her from her mate/poisoning their family with his cruel ways. And lastly I would like to see Eris participate in some form as well because it would force Eris to make a decision—keep playing the long game for the crown or act in defiance to Beron for your family. It would put him in an impossible decision and I like to think he hates what happened to Lucien and Jesminda and that he couldn’t do more so maybe he does something to save Elain (making amends for the past)?

2) I think the blood duel is a tool to foreshadow a future duel against Beron. It was referenced in the Azriel BC as a way to “win” Elain’s heart but I think Lucien will enact it to save her life. Maybe Beron gets power hungry and kidnaps the seer for funsies or to hand over to Koschei. Who knows. But I do think while in that moment it’s supposed to be like “oh blood duel gets the girl!!” It’s actually gonna be like “blood duel saves his mate” and then Lucien will feel redemption for what he failed to do the first time with his lover. CUE SOBBING HERE

3) I have read TOG! I have not read CC yet (it’s on my list). But which SJM character is really underrated? I’m going to say Jurian. Like that guy was a freedom fighter who successfully saved humans from slavery, managed to kill a prominent Fae leader, has successfully tricked powerful Fae SEVERAL times, was an eyeball for hundreds of years so he’s effectively older than Lucien LOL, and I would imagine he’s also a very talented strategist/fighter being a General too. Dude is HOT and legendary.

If it helps, other TOG characters I adore are: Dorian/Manon, Yrene/Chaol, and Elide/Lorcan.

Oh my god sorry for rambling DON’T FEEL LIKE YOU NEED TO WRITE THIS I just love to talk about theories 😂

Also I know I’m going to love my gift already ♥️

[crazy-ache]

Hiiiii it’s your Secret Santa again. I know this was fast but I just thought of another question or three😂

Do you enjoy reading AUs outside of the ACOTAR world or would you prefer we stay in-universe?

Do you have a preference for any of the courts/are there any courts you would like to explore?

Are there any characters you would rather not feature in this story (like any characters you dislike/lack interest in)

What colors/aesthetics do you like seeing Elucien in?

Love,

🤶

Oh but I love it hehehe

Let me do my best to answer your questions!

I am completely open to whatever YOU want to write! I don't want to stifle your creativity - I am that crazy person who goes to the hair salon and tells the stylist "what do you think I should do?" 😂 But if you want an answer, I tend to write/seek out in-universe stuff, but I have dabbled and enjoyed reading some AUs as well! I love the idea of exploring Spring/Autumn/Day or even Winter for Solstice vibes!

Hmmm...I am open to all characters! My only 🤔 is I'm not a fan of reading mentions about Az/Elain ~feelings~ even if its in the past or unrequited feelings.

Ooh I think I love the original colors/aesthetics of their Fox/Fawn parallel. Like fairy woodland aesthetics, lots of greens and golds and warm tones, and that magical feeling of their love for the natural world. I hope that makes sense!

*blows you a kiss* Until next time SS!!!

[crazy-ache]

Hello! It’s your Secret Santa!

I see that you’re an Elucien fan and I wanted to ask you some questions.

1. What is your favorite thing to read about in Elucien fanfics?

2. What are your favorite song writers/artists?

More questions will be coming as I make your gift!

Love,

🧑‍🎄

Hello Secret Santa!! ♥️

1. I love reading about Elain and Lucien in that awkward phase full of tension. They’re thrusted together in some forced proximity or perhaps one of them has no where else to go but to each other…they’re essentially strangers-but-also-soulmates. And they have to work together/spend time together/help each other while navigating that dynamic. Mmm *chefs kiss*

2. That is such a good question! Lately I have been listening to a lot of: Taylor Swift, David Kushner, Maggie Rogers, Gracie Abrams, and Young the Giant.

I can’t wait. Come back soon!!!

[crazy-ache]

‘Twas I, Secret Santa, but I forgot to leave my calling card

🤶

I had a feeling Secret Santa ❤️❤️❤️

[crazy-ache]

I’m blushing, kicking my feet, and twirling my hair right now in case you were wondering

UMMM HELLO you have my attention Secret Santa!!!! 👀 ❤️

That was the plan😈