#most emery thing to ever happen

[yuridovewing]

Maybe I should read Winds of Change inbetween books as well… make my url worth it

[acourtofthought]

The issue is not really giving Elain wings since SJM herself allowed Feyre to give herself wings and the mother changed her and Nesta's anatomy. Is it a poorly written storyline? Sure, you can acknowledge the problems with it while also acknowledging that in this world things that are questionable still happen therefore Elain being given wings is along the same vein of what's written in the book.

The bigger question is why was Elain given wings?

Is there any single thing to support her wanting to be an Illyrian female? She's not mated to, in love with (and no, glances and a near hookup do not equate to love), nor married to an Illyrian so.....

Is there anything to suggest she secretly might want to be an Illyrian female but is to scared to ask for it?

Is there anything to suggest she'd ever want to change her body for Az?

Is there anything to suggest there is a need for her to become an Illyrian with wings (the way that makes a tiny bit of sense for Feyre considering she fought beside her Illyrian mate in a war alongside Illyrian warriors and her flying with them is more helpful than not. Elain didn't compete in the Illyrian Rite like Nesta, Gwyn or Emerie. She's not a possible target of the Illyrians anger the way those three might be.

Elain rejected that which makes a warrior in the NC, weapons, Illyrian leathers.

The issue with this is how during Elain Week, e/riels are celebrating a version of Elain that does not exist therefore who are they actually celebrating? Their headcanons of Elain have erased how Sarah wrote Elain and how Sarah spoke about her in interviews.

Can you imagine the riot if Elucien's suggested Elain dip herself back into the Cauldron so she can make herself look different in order to be a better fit for Lucien? I mean, she's already the most beautiful female he'd ever seen so there's nothing to change but if we suggested it? The pitchforks would be out claiming we're changing Elain to suit a man.

Can you imagine the riot if Gwynriels drew Gwyn with Illyrian wings?

They're hypocrites and they know it yet they want to play dumb as to why people are actually upset. They're the ones claiming Gwynriels are "stealing" Elain's body type and plots for Gwyn. They're the ones claiming Elucien's cater Elain's story to Lucien yet they are the one who have created a character during her own damn week who literally does not exist in the ACOTAR world.

[romanticatheartt]

Gwyneth and Rhysand

Having the same traumas:

Both being victim of SA

Rhys said quietly, “I was a prisoner in her court for nearly fifty years. I was tortured and beaten and fucked until only telling myself who I was, what I had to protect, kept me from trying to find a way to end it. Please—help me keep that from happening again. To Prythian.” ~ acomaf ch.11 “I hadn’t yet participated in the Great Rite, and we were so remote up there that I never had the chance to lie with a male, and he took that from me, too. And then he called over three of his soldiers and told them to keep going until I revealed where the children had gone.” ~ acosf ch.68

Losing their sisters in the most brutal way

“... I was supposed to be there. I wasn’t. And they slaughtered my mother and sister anyway.”... “It should have been me,”... “They put their heads in boxes and sent them down the river—to the nearest camp. Tamlin’s father kept their wings as trophies. I’m surprised you didn’t see them pinned in the study.” ~ acomaf ch.45 “... So he grabbed Catrin, because our scents were nearly identical, you see, and told me that if I didn’t reveal where the children were, he’d kill her. And when I didn’t give the children up …” Her mouth shook. “He beheaded Catrin right there, along with two other priestesses...” ~ acosf ch.68

Having the same blood rite experience:

He could still feel the crumbling rock beneath his boots, hear the rasp of his breathing as he half hauled Rhys up the slopes, Azriel providing cover behind.* ~ acofas ch.3 Nesta marveled at the hope and bravery in their faces. “I can hold them off.” *... She didn’t wait for Emerie to speak before she helped ease Gwyn onto Emerie’s back, the latter hissing at the weight upon her wings, splaying them at awkward angles. ~ acosf ch.69

They won the blood rite and have the Carynthian title. And I wonder if Rhys at any stage of his life thought he's not a real Carynthian because Cassian had to help him and if Gwyn also might feel the same. And maybe they can bond over it...

Being pretty AF:

Standing before me was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. ~ acotar ch.20 If Rhysand was the most beautiful male I’d ever seen, she [Mor] was his female equivalent. ~ acomaf ch.6 The priestess had been pretty in the library, but with that joy, that confidence as she aimed for the three priestesses, she had emerged into a beauty to rival Merrill or Mor. ~ acosf ch.29

2+2=?

Nerds...

Az, of course, had been fascinated. Rhys had built the model himself centuries ago. It could not only track the sun, but also tell time, and it somehow allowed Rhys to ponder the existence of life beyond their own world and other things Cassian had, again, instantly forgotten. ~ acosf ch.3 “I could only pick up every other word,” Rhys said. Feyre arched a brow. “You speak the language of the ancient Fae?” Rhys shrugged. “My education was thorough.” He waved an idle, graceful hand. “For exactly these situations.” ~ acosf ch.37 “Some philosophers believe there are eleven worlds like that. And some believe there are as many as twenty-six, the last one being Time itself, which …” Gwyn’s voice dropped to a whisper. ~ acosf ch.13 Gwyn let out a breathy laugh. “I mean it. I learned about a new Valkyrie technique last night. It’s called Mind-Stilling.” ~ acosf ch.38

This has nothing to do with their similarity but him being cute and protective<33

The casual smile of a male used to people either fleeing in terror or falling to their knees in worship. “Hello, Gwyn,” he said warmly. “Good to see you again.” Gwyn blushed, shaking herself out of her stupor, and bowed low. “My lord.”... You are to treat Gwyn with kindness and respect. ~ acosf ch.28

*Bonus*:

Gwyn and Rhys were injured and had to be carried to the top while Nesta and Azriel stayed behind to cover for them.

Nesta 🤝 Azriel -> we expected them to have a strong friendship and it happened in hofas. They also have so many similarities!

Gwyn 🤝 Rhys -> ...?

[sunshinebingo]

Gwynriel from Emerie’s pov - 700 words - Fluff

Emerie felt like crying. She was fine when she woke up this morning. She was fine 15 minutes ago when she arrived at the House of Wind. But then she had to witness all this.

First, it had been Gwyn’s shy smile when she had come out into the training area and had spotted Azriel. Then, she had walked towards him like she had been floating on his shadows and had kissed his cheek before saying, “Morning, Az,” while fluttering her lashes at him.

The blush that had coloured Gwyn’s cheeks when Azriel had tucked the hair that had escaped her braid behind her ear was still very much there minutes later while Emerie watched them from across the ring. His hand was also still on her cheek, his eyes sparkling with a similar joy to the one that was visible in Gwyn’s.

Emerie kept watching them as Azriel leaned down and whispered something in Gwyn’s ear that made her giggle. Being the only other person currently present besides these two, Emerie couldn’t help but feel like she was intruding, no matter how far she was standing. But she was also more than a little excited to witness this. Only one person could turn the fearsome Shadowsinger into a blushing, chuckling, lovesick fool. And very few people was lucky enough to see it happening before their eyes.

The sound of Gwyn’s giggles was like a summoning bell to the shadows that rushed towards her. Emerie didn’t know much about Azriel’s mysterious minions but the way in which they were playing with her chosen sister’s hair and twirling between her fingers didn’t scream deadly to her.

It certainly didn’t seem like Gwyn found them scary as she lifted her hand and literally talked to them. It was not long before Emerie saw Azriel bring his own hand up to intertwine his fingers with Gwyn’s. Her heart soared for her sister when she saw how much brighter Gwyn’s smile turned.

She wanted to run to Gwyn, squeeze her in her arms and tell her how incredibly happy she was for her. She wanted to do the same with Azriel who, after years of getting to know him, had become so much more than just her trainer. But not before she made sure that he understood the consequences that would come for him should he ever hurt her sister.

Emerie also felt the sudden urge to groan at the sky and demand why she did not have a partner of her own. Someone to be as disgustingly in love with as Gwyn and Azriel were. Even though they had only recently made their romantic feelings known to the public, Emerie, along with Nesta, had always had a front row seat to the evolving relationship between the Spymaster and the Valkyrie. The line between friendship and love had naturally grown thinner and thinner for the two friends who had slowly learn to trust each other with their lives, but most importantly, with their hearts.

The more she watched her sister experiencing that kind of happiness, the more Emerie longed for it too. After all, who had never wondered for even a second what it could be like to love someone in this way and be loved back the same? To have someone to share a physical connection with as well as the kind of feelings that felt both strange yet like the most natural thing.

With a sigh, Emerie brought her head out of her wishful thinking and back to the present. Tears pricked at her eyes as she once again looked at the two before her. If she did not have any partner to share her love with yet, she decided, then she would devote everything to the people in her life who already loved her.

Emerie would trust in the plans that the Mother and the cauldron had for her. Someday, perhaps, she thought as she made her way towards to water station. When she walked past Gwyn and Azriel, she saw them lightly rub their noses together in between exchanging little kisses.

“Ugh, would you two stop being cute for a minute? Some of us are desperately single here,” she whined, though her heart was bursting with love for them.

[liaromancewriter]

When Sparks Fly

Premise: Aurora Emery was no stranger to breakups, but what happened next was unexpected.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Characters: Aurora Emery, F!MC (Cassie Valentine); feat M!OC Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,525

A/N: Submission for @choicesaugustchallenge prompt "fireworks"

Aurora Emery leaned against the counter of the nurses’ station, absently tapping her pen against the countertop. The hum of the hospital around her was familiar, but it didn’t have the same soothing effect as other days.

Halfway through a long shift, her mind was usually filled with thoughts of her current cases. Not today.

Today, there was a lingering ache in her heart, the after-effects of a recent breakup with someone who couldn’t quite grasp the demands of her career.

Aunt Harper had warned her this would happen. But Aurora hadn’t listened even though her inner cynic taunted that it was only inevitable.

Female doctors rarely got as much attention or respect as their male counterparts. When a man said he was a doctor, women lined up around the block. The reverse was not true.

Her brows furrowed in annoyance at the memory of her ex breaking up with her by commenting on her Picta post. He didn’t even have the decency to tell her in person or text her.

The only saving grace was that her Pictagram account was private, and her followers were limited to family and friends.

Still, the whole sordid situation was embarrassing, especially when her grandmother called to commiserate on one hand and tried to set her up with an eligible bachelor from her bridge club on the other.

He wasn’t worth it, she reminded herself vehemently.

“That’s a fierce look,” her friend Cassie Valentine commented as she walked toward Aurora, placing one arm around her shoulder in a quick hug. “Forget that jerkwad. He didn’t deserve you.”

She was the epitome of calm, her long blonde hair neatly twisted up. A crisp white coat with Edenbrook’s crest on the pocket floated around her thighs, complementing the blouse and skirt beneath.

The engagement and wedding band combo on her left hand sparkled under the fluorescent lights, stirring a twinge of envy in Aurora.

“You’re obsessing right now and probably a mess,” Cassie said, placing both hands firmly on Aurora’s shoulders and staring intently into her eyes. “But one day soon, you’ll wake up and realize you’re free of a loser with low self-esteem. And it’s his loss for throwing away the greatest love he’ll ever have.”

Aurora smiled softly, amused but also touched. Cassie had been giving her pep talks since they were interns. Whenever she started feeling sorry for herself, her friend was there with advice that helped her see things clearly and snap out of it.

For most of their intern year, Aurora found her annoying and didn’t hesitate to push her away with rudeness. But Cassie was undeterred by her snarky responses. And one day, Aurora realized they were friends, not rivals.

Speaking of, it was time to shake off these maudlin thoughts and get back to work.

“Thanks for coming here for the consult,” she said, squeezing Cassie’s hand to let her know she was okay.

“Mrs. Hartley is too weak to be moved to Edenbrook. It’s an interesting case.” Aurora handed Cassie the tablet with the patient’s medical history and intake notes. “She’s not responding to any treatment. The team is stumped.”

Cassie grinned as she glanced over the tablet. “So, you’re admitting I’m a better diagnostician than you?”

Aurora smirked, rolling her eyes playfully. “That’s not what I said.”

“And yet, that’s what I heard,” Cassie teased with a wink.

Aurora chuckled, shaking her head. “I’m just saying I could use a fresh perspective—and you’ve always been annoyingly good at this.”

“Annoyingly good? From you, that’s a compliment of the highest order,” Cassie laughed, handing back the tablet. “Let’s go.”

They entered the patient’s room a few minutes later, the steady beeps of the machines echoing in the otherwise quiet space.

“Hello, Mrs. Hartley,” Aurora called out as she entered the room. “I’ve brought my colleague, Dr. Valentine, for a consult.”

Mrs. Hartley, who had been gazing out the window, turned her head on the pillow to greet them. Her eyes were warm as she took them in.

“Aren’t you two the prettiest little things,” she said softly. “It’s comforting to know my doctors are such accomplished young women.”

She pressed a button to raise the back of the bed. “Are either of you single? My son is, and he’s a lawyer. As handsome as his daddy was when he swept me off my feet nearly forty years ago.”

Cassie burst out laughing while Aurora blushed, unable to help feel a bit self-conscious.

“Sorry. Married,” Cassie held up her left hand with a smile.

“Well, I suppose your husband might object,” she added with a playful wink. “Maybe Dr. Emery, then?”

“Your son would be the lucky one in that scenario.” Cassie moved closer to the bed. “Now, I’ve reviewed your chart and Dr. Emery’s notes, but I’d like to ask you some questions…”

Aurora sighed in relief as Cassie tactfully ended the awkward conversation.

Was she really giving off such pathetic loser vibes that even her patients were trying to set her up?

A week later, Aurora leaned against the nurses’ station, taking the weight off her tired feet. She checked her team’s notes, making notations where needed. The sound of approaching footsteps and a throat clearing loudly caught her attention.

She looked up to see a man in his early to mid-thirties, tall and broad-shouldered, with an easy confidence in his stride. His three-piece suit looked custom-made—probably overkill for a warm summer day—and his tie was loosely knotted around his neck.

His hair was slightly tousled as if he’d run his hands through it too many times. Dark amber eyes reflected warmth and confidence, complementing his smooth, deep-toned skin.

“Dr. Emery?” he asked, his voice slightly low.

Aurora nodded, curiosity piqued. “Yes, that’s me. How can I help you?”

He extended his hand, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I’m Logan, Logan Hartley. My mother, Joy Hartley, is one of your patients.”

Recognition dawned, and Aurora straightened, shaking his hand. “Of course, Mrs. Hartley. She’s recovering well after the surgery. I was just about to check on her.”

Logan’s smile widened, revealing a dimple on his left cheek. “That’s great to hear. She sings your praises every time I visit. Says you’re an angel in a lab coat.”

Aurora felt a slight blush creep up her neck. “I’m glad she’s in good spirits. She’s a wonderful woman.”

“She suggested—well, ordered, really,” Logan grinned, “that I introduce myself to you.” His eyes twinkled. “And I wouldn’t mind thanking the doctor who’s taken such good care of her.”

His tone was light, but there was something more in the way he looked at her—something that made Aurora’s pulse quicken just a bit.

Maybe it was the exhaustion from the last few weeks or the unexpected interest from a handsome man, but Aurora found herself smiling widely. “Thank you, but I’m just doing my job.”

Logan leaned against the counter beside her, close enough that she could catch the faint scent of his cologne—a mix of cedarwood and something citrusy. “Doing it very well, from what I hear. You must be really dedicated.”

Aurora sighed, a small, rueful smile playing on her lips. “I love what I do.”

“I can see that,” Logan said, his gaze lingering on her in a way that felt both mysterious and thrilling. “But I hope you also find time to enjoy life outside the hospital.”

The comment was casual, but the implication was clear, and Aurora felt her heart skip a beat. It had been a while since someone had looked at her like that and even longer since she had felt the desire to reciprocate.

A week ago, she’d wondered if the demands of her career would always be a barrier to her having a personal life. But here was a man who seemed intrigued, not deterred, by her passion for her work.

“I try.” Her voice was softer than intended. “Though it doesn’t always work out.”

Logan’s eyes met hers, holding them with an intensity that made her breath catch. “Maybe you just haven’t met the right person yet.”

The flirtation was unmistakable now, and Aurora found herself at a loss for words—something that rarely happened to her. She wasn’t used to the feeling of being seen as more than just a doctor. But the way he was looking at her made her feel breathless.

“Maybe,” she admitted, finally finding her voice.

Logan’s smile was slow and deliberate, sending a warm thrill through her. “We should fix that. When you’re not saving lives, of course.”

Aurora outwardly hesitated but her heart fluttered at the unspoken invitation. She wasn’t the type of woman to just go with the flow. But planning every aspect of her dating life hadn’t worked out, and neither had the various dating app profiles.

So, why not take a chance on something new?

“And by we, I really meant me,” he added hurriedly, his eyes swimming with amusement. “I’m asking you out, in case that wasn’t obvious.”

“I’d like that, Logan,” Aurora said, her smile matching his. “I’d like that a lot.”

-------------

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @jerzwriter @justyourusualash

@lady-calypso @kyra75 @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect

@queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @snoopdogcone @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[monstersholygrail]

Do you have any monster OCs? or any OCs at all? :o

You are opening Pandora’s box with this question, my love. Goodness gracious, I’m gonna put it all under the cut because the answer is yes, I have many OCs both monster, cyborg, and otherwise!

Thank you so much for asking btw, it was super sweet of you <33

If anyone would like to send in any asks about these then I’d be more than happy to talk about them 👉🏼👈🏼

Tumblr OCs

So, starting off with on my blog, I have 2 OCs! I have Demon Prist, my special boy. His story is that he is a fallen angel who is desperately trying to get back into Heaven and God’s good graces when you come into his life. He’s convinced you’re a gift from God for his devotion all these millennia as you take his pain away.

I also have Ghost bf whose name is yet to be revealed although I do have one! His story (lore drop!) is that when moving to a new city, you’re looking for an apartment and you find him! The two of you talk for weeks before agreeing to a sort of trial run. But before you can get there, Ghost bf dies and you show up to an empty apartment and you expect him to be back soon. When he reveals himself to you the two of you contact each other in weird ways and fall in love along the way.

More to come too!

Book OCs

Then I also have Monster OCs that I would like to introduce here and later possibly turn into books! The first being Wren and Emery. Wren is a bigender Eldritch monster whose favorite show is a monster hunter show where they find monsters and study them. Not actual hunting. Emery was the host of this show with her bf Jonah when a bad werewolf accident happens and Jonah kind of takes over the show. Wren decides to invite the show to his manor to essentially… catch him. All in order to help Emery. It’s very rom-com vibes. Wren and Emery are the main couple (Jonah is bad)

I have Delilah and Augustine with their friends Ivory and Sivan. I want to write their story through an anthology. It’s basically flustered vampire x bimbo human. Delilah is insanely smart, she’s a mortician ironically. But she misses a lot of things right in front of her, hence the bimbo type personality. So it’s a collection of like Augustine constantly getting caught being a vampire bc he’s not smooth or sneaky (anymore) and it just doesn’t click for Delilah. Which makes Ivory, her best friend that’s also a secret vampire, insane. She’s a hypocrite but her and Auggie have a fun dynamic.

Thirdly, I also have Zella and Senén. Sen is a hybrid wolf who ran his own mafia when his men thinks he betrayed them and the cops are on his tail. So hides as a puppy hybrid in England with an American woman named Zella who’s there looking after her sick grandmother. He has to maintain his facade even as he finds it all super demeaning. But he falls for Zella and starts getting comfortable in this new life when trouble turns its head back around on him.

Next I also have this idea for a futuristic serial fiction that would span over at least 100 chapters. It’s sci-fi fantasy. Think Nimona-ish but darker. It’s ultimately kinda cyberpunk but from the opposite perspective of it for the most part. It follows Nora or Noor and she’s in the II (Iridium Imperium) also known as the eyes. It’s a guild that protects the city like law enforcement and they’re all cyborgs with special magical gifts. Their whole city runs on guilds it’s a requirement to be in one within city limits. Only those with magical gifts can join The II. The story covers the climatic and intense downfall of The II and ultimately Nora herself as everything she’s ever known is destroyed and she’s the last to accept it if she ever really does. She has at least 3 romantic partners over the course of the series but I’m unsure if I want her to end up Ren, her enemies to lovers man from outside the city limits who understands her far too well, her ex Gio who abandoned her in order to join the resistance but always comes back for her whenever she needs him, end up with them both in a throuple, or if she should end up alone! It’s a huge world and many OCs within this world.

The working title of this next one is called Grimoire Gargoyles! It features Giselle who’s a librarian working in France at a super old library. She finds herself in the restricted section and reads out loud from a book. Accidentally releasing two French Revolution Gargoyles from their prison stuck on top of the library. Now that Francois and Bastien are free they try and leave but find themselves drawn back to Giselle. Revealing themselves to her she isn’t afraid given that monsters are a normal sight in their world. Though Gargoyles have been extinct since the Revolution. Together they work together to try and finish the spell to release them from their curse and fall in love along the way.

More include a heist trilogy with a Dragon jeweler for the King and a thief, a dryad who accidentally performs a mating ritual with an ancient dragon at a festival celebrating his supposed vanquishing, a vampire stalker who stalks a human after tasting her blood for the first time but then stops and she starts stalking him bc she’s upset he stopped stalking her, a dragon hybrid and a griffin hybrid who exchange mating symbols as kids and basically betroth themselves to each other but he’s meant to marry her sister and years later they go through the marriage trials together not knowing it’s impossible for him to marry someone else.

Other Book OCs

My oldest OCs are from last November and it’s called Crafting Constellations. It’s an elf world and all high fantasy. The first book follows Soleil and Peracles. Peracles is the heir to a Kingdom that’s only ever had female rulers and Soleil is his general. They have a forbidden romance going on and have to work together to figure out the evil plot against the crown by an unknown force. See art of them here. Its sequel features Cane, Peracles’ royal advisor and Soleil’s ex, in his heartbreak when he saves Pera from being poisoned. He gets into an enemies to lovers with Pera’s assassin named Astraea. Then the third book features the antagonist as the main character Nova and she kidnaps Viyan, a co-worker of sorts with Astraea in order to get revenge. Then I have a secondary series featuring all 4 of Peracles’ brothers with love interests. Also a prequel that’s a sapphic tragedy with Peracles mother and her own general.

Then my second oldest OCs named Prudence and Narada. It’s another sci-fi fantasy series. Prudence is a part of a faction that has the power to get into another persons mind and read it and control it. A long time ago her faction was deemed too dangerous to stay alive so they made them extinct. And for over 100 years they’ve been living in secret and pulling the strings of their entire world Janeus. Her coven sees into the future and ensures fate stays on course. So they kill the emperor of one of the empires so that his son takes over: Narada. Prue goes there, hiding her eyes as their powers are revealed through eye color. And she successfully manipulates him but they fall for each other along the way and she ends up betraying her coven and revealing herself and their plan for the young emperor. Prue is convinced that she can fix things and manipulate fate all on her own but their world slowly begins to perish and she realizes her mistake. When she gets a “chosen one” prophecy with herself as the one to defeat, she learns to accept fate and that you can’t control it as she thought.

More include a fae hunter x fae lord that’s kinda similar to Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride lol, two demons and a human working at a casino and underground fighting ring that helps them hide from the world when their pasts catch up to them, and a biblical apocalypse where the world is split into the seven deadly sins and the Lord of Greed and a man working for the Lord of Lust inadvertently work to bring the second coming of Christ.

And I’m sure there’s even more that I’ve forgotten or that have slipped my mind!! I have so many plots in my head that it’s hard to focus on any of them lol.

[tunaababee]

we will be everything we say - Chapter 5

masterlist // fic playlist // read on AO3 // overall rating: e // wc this chapter: 3.5k // updates Mondays (aest)

Feyre Archeron has been best friends with Rhysand Sterling ever since she moved onto the same street when they were kids - the two became absolutely joined at the hip, with nothing able to come between them.

As they get older, life gets more complicated and things get harder. Not everything comes as naturally as it once did. People change, things happen, friends... drift.

But after drifting apart, maybe life can push them back together again, in time.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Chapter 5: twenty-one and twenty-two

Rhys couldn’t help but feel antsy despite the cosy, comfortable atmosphere of the house around him. His best friends in the world sharing drinks, breaking bread and just generally shooting the shit together again for the first time in who knew how long. All that matters was that it had been too long and everyone was here again. Cassian was happily sitting on the couch, Nesta perched in his lap with only some mild protests - he and Feyre’s sister had been dating for a few months after they had met at the gym Cassian worked at over in Windhaven. It took them a long time to stop riling each other up for more than a few moments before they used their big adult words and went out on a date, but it had seemed to be relatively smooth sailing from there. Nesta’s roommates, Emerie and Gwyn, had also tagged along and seemed to be fitting in quite nicely. Mor was chattering away with Amren and Varian, while Azriel seemed busy quietly brooding. Or maybe staring at Gwyn. Rhys couldn’t quite figure that one out, but he knew that he’d get to the bottom of it eventually. And yet, Rhys stood right beside him, almost equally as moody and out of it.

Because Feyre was coming tonight. After months of hasty apologies and rain checks for gatherings, she was finally showing up again.

The thought made Rhys’ gut and heart twist in tandem.

He had still talked to Feyre all throughout college, texting and calling when they were unable to meet up, but contact had been tapering off slowly but surely as the time ticked on. Rhys knew that she hadn’t been deliberately skipping out on spending time or talking with any of them on purpose - for the past few years, her art degree had kept her immensely busy while also managing to juggle a part-time job to help push her way through college. Feyre had managed to bag a scholarship after high school like she had been hoping for, but it didn’t quite cover the whole tuition, so she barely got any sort of reprieve before throwing herself wholeheartedly back into her future. Typical for a woman so unabashedly stubborn and glorious as- No, Rhys thought to himself. He had to stop those thoughts in their tracks. She was still with Tamlin. Engaged to Tamlin, last he had heard. Rhys had to rein himself in - he was well practised in the art, so why should tonight be any different?

“Rhysand, baby, don’t tell me Azriel’s brooding has rubbed off on you too. There’s only so much dark sulking our group can handle at any given time.” Mor strode over to the wall near the kitchen where he was leaning, shoving a plate with a few slices of pizza on it into his hand.

A practised smile slid across his features, though he knew it wouldn’t do much to fool his cousin. “Can’t a man stand and just have a minute to think his thoughts for a while, Mor?”

“In any other circumstance, sure. But we all know you get all loopy around Feyre to say the least. Except for maybe Nesta simply because she doesn’t like to be around you at the best of times, anyways. Just don’t overthink it, okay?” She placed a comforting hand on his arm, his own coming to rest on top of it and give a light squeeze of thanks. Something about Tamlin had always rubbed him the wrong way - not that anybody else felt kindly toward him, but Rhys struggled to hide it the most. It certainly didn’t help his case that Rhysand was still hopelessly in love with Feyre, but there was something more to it. He tried to put it out of mind as Mor moved back toward the group in the living room. Rhys ate his food and made light chatter with everybody, trying his best to keep his feelings out of sight and out of mind until, of course, Feyre inevitably arrived on Tamlin’s arm.

His heart almost stuttered out of his chest like a fucking schoolboy as he saw her - twenty two years old reduced all the way back to sixteen again in the blink of an eye. Suddenly he was ten times more conscious about what he wore and how he looked - he had gone for a simple look, a well-fitted black v-neck and dark blue jeans with some dress shoes.

Tamlin strode through the door first, Feyre struggling slightly to keep up, but she still tried her best to take everything in stride, a smile on her face. A smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, but a smile nonetheless. Feyre was wearing a pristine white short sleeve blouse, tucked into form-fitting dress pants with some flat shoes. It didn’t feel like her style, knowing she much preferred comfort and practicality over whatever business-chic fashion she had donned to match Tamlin. It showed off the weight she had seemed to lose, hips and wrists seeming to jut out more sharply with bone closer to the flesh than before. She let go to greet everybody, showered in a smattering of hugs and kisses on cheeks while Tamlin tersely nodded, his eyes flicking back to Feyre periodically as she made her way around the room. With every hello she got closer and closer to Rhys, his chest beating in double time almost by the time she made her way over to him.

“Hello, darling.” Rhys grinned at Feyre as widely as he could manage, though it didn’t escape his notice the way Tamlin glowered at him as he greeted her with his endearments he saved just for her.

“Hello, my dear.” She wrapped her arms around him and he didn’t hesitate to hug her right back. Feyre didn’t quite smell the way Rhys had remembered - lilacs, jasmine, warm sunshine on skin, home. Instead, she smelled of rose and lilies, of the sickly sweetness that makes your fingers stick unpleasantly. There were hints of her beneath it all, but it wasn’t quite her. It was something, someone different. He ignored the knot in his stomach as he squeezed her tightly, letting her go a few moments sooner than he would have liked. “It’s so good to see you.”

Before Rhys could get another word in, Tamlin approached, placing his hand possessively on the small of Feyre’s back. She straightened slightly before leaning into his side, arm slipped around his waist with an uncharacteristic stiffness. “Hello, Rhysand. Enjoying the get together?”

Rhys’ hands slid into his pockets, chin up and back straight with a feline grin. “Of course, you know I love any excuse to celebrate with my family, especially my brothers. We’ve been eagerly awaiting the both of you - glad to see you were both able to make it.”

“Yes, well, things have been busy since we all graduated, you know. Inheriting my father’s business was no small feat, I imagine you’ve been busy yourself with your own father’s business now being yours. I’ve personally had meetings and work trips abound, all with this one at my side. I can’t wait to have her as my wife.” His hand squeezed Feyre’s shoulder as he smirked, a small laugh escaping her as she looked up at him.

“Mm, I can imagine - congratulations to you both, I’m very happy for you. Please, help yourselves to some food and drink,” Rhys said, gesturing towards the pizzas and snacks they had laid out on the kitchen benchtop, a small cooler filled with various drinks just on the ground nearby. He looked at Feyre, eyes catching hers with a small smile. “We’ll catch up later, hm?”

The last thing Rhys wanted to do was ruin the night for everybody by being unable to stop himself punching Tamlin in the face due to all his showboating - he figured the best thing to do was to let them be and allow Feyre to come to him. They always came back to one another no matter what, and she would when she was ready - no matter how he felt for her, their friendship was first and foremost above everything. If he could have nothing else from her but her company on occasion, then that would be enough. Rhys wasn’t going to stop having faith in that now just because she was engaged to someone else - he may be a bit jaded, but he wasn’t a complete asshole. So he grabbed himself another beer, sliding into conversation with Cassian and Amren and used every ounce of willpower he had in him not to stare at Feyre all night. It warmed his heart a little bit to see her and Nesta making conversation, at least - things had always been a bit strained between the two of them, especially once their mother had died. 

Nesta had always been favoured by their mom, though it resulted in Nesta being more harshly criticised by her and made into a colder, harder person for it. Elain got an occasional lookover from her, but Feyre wasn’t ever on her mother’s mind. The people it shaped them into, the issues it caused between them and for them? It took a long time for the sisters to start talking after high school at all, let alone being able to reconcile in any capacity. He focused on that pride for the two of them blooming in his chest over all else. It made everything else easier to take in stride over the course of the night - easier not to stare, easier not to be jealous. Easier not to worry about the slight pallor of her skin and her skinnier-than-usual frame.

Rhysand managed to keep his mind occupied well enough into the night. Feyre was laughing and smiling, all with Tamlin right beside her, as she caught up with everybody. Nesta eventually brought out Cassian’s birthday cakes - two ice cream cakes, at his insistence - as everyone sang him happy birthday. He couldn’t help but catch a glance at her as they sang, and saw a hollowness in her eyes that he hadn’t remembered being there. Something only the darkness and light of the candles could catch, just for a moment, until Mor caught him staring again and gave him a sneaky slap to the arm. The lights flicked back on and he could see that mask slide back up again as cake began to be served. He didn’t hesitate to dive into his own slice, offering to clean up everything while the others milled about in the living room, alive with music and dancing and chatter. Telling a sweet little lie that it was the least he could do, when really he just wanted an escape. 

God, he was fucking useless. Rhys felt like he was struggling to keep it together just for one night. His head was a swirling mix of love and adoration and worry and jealousy. It made him feel utterly pathetic.

He didn’t hesitate to slip out into the backyard after he had finished - with the clinking of dishes and cutlery gone, he struggled to find something to help him drown out the slant of his thoughts that were quickly spiralling into some combination of worry and self-pity. The backdoor led out onto a small set of steps down into the yard itself, Rhys quickly descending before slipping back around them to hide in the blind spot that was made in the corner where the back of the stairs and the wall of the house met on the ground. He fished around in his back pocket, pulling out a lighter and a cigarette - it wasn’t a habit he indulged in often, usually reserved for social occasions where there happened to be other smokers, but if there was ever a time he would kill for an excuse to have a smoke, this was definitely it. Bought him a little more time to settle his nerves and racing thoughts. Rhys lit up without hesitation, taking a long drag as the back of his head hit the wooden panelling that lined the outer walls of the house. The sound of crickets and distant traffic were the only sounds breaking the silence, letting his eyes dance across the constellations and seeing which ones he could spot and name as a distraction.

At least, he was, until Feyre stepped out into the backyard herself, closing the door behind her before a shaky sigh loosened from her lips.

A small part of him hoped that she wouldn’t spot him, but the telltale wisps of smoke gave him up before he could even consider trying to put it out. She glanced over the railing of the staircase, a small smile on her face. A real one.

“Is this where you escaped to? I thought you said we’d catch up, huh?”

He simply chuckled in turn. “I was going to talk to you earlier, but I didn’t wanna interrupt you and Nesta.” Liar, he thought, scolding himself.

“As if that’s ever stopped you before.” Feyre trudged down the steps, eventually circling round to stand right next to Rhys and lean back, staring up at the stars alongside him. It reminded him a little bit of high school, moments like this.

“Maybe I’ve gotten more gentlemanly and considerate in the time we’ve been apart, did you ever consider that?”

“Absolutely not.”

The two of them grinned at one another, quiet laughs exchanged between them. This was the Feyre he had missed.

“So…” Rhys shifted on his feet uncomfortably. This subject was going to have to come up sooner or later. “Engaged at twenty-one, huh?”

“Ah, yeah. It only happened a few months ago.” Feyre held up her left hand next to her face - even in the low moonlight, Rhys could see the ring on her finger. It was absolutely encrusted in jewels, a heart-shaped emerald set and surrounded by far too many diamonds for his taste. It definitely screamed Tamlin to anybody who might know the two of them.

“Well, that’s gotta be exciting. How are you dealing with wedding planning on top of college? You’ve still got about a year left on your fine arts degree, right?”

“Oh, uh. I would have, yeah.” Her hands slid into her pockets, gaze falling back down to her feet.

Rhys turned to her with a quiet ferocity in his eyes, though not at her. He wouldn’t really…? “Would have?”

“Yeah, I… dropped out of college.”

Oh, that motherfucker. “You worked so fucking hard for that scholarship, though - what happened? Like, if it’s what was best for you, I’m not one to judge, but… Fuck, Feyre, I know how much you worked toward that goal.”

“Well, I was trying to work my part-time job while studying still, but all of that on top of having to accompany Tamlin to a lot of his business trips in the last year meant that I kept missing a lot of classes. Art isn’t exactly a degree that’s compatible with remote learning, and he said that if it was too hard to keep up with all those obligations that I didn’t have to. That he was happy to keep looking after everything, y’know, career wise. I could keep art as a hobby without the pressure of grades and trying to make a big name or something. I couldn’t come up with a reason to say no.”

“‘Because I love art’ is a perfectly valid reason, you know.”

“I know, but I… I’m tired, Rhys. I’m so, so fucking tired. I don’t even draw anymore. I just want a minute to breathe.” Feyre’s hands dragged down her face, drawing out a miserable whine as she shuffled closer, moving to rest her head on Rhys’ shoulder. A beat passed between them before Feyre reached up, taking the cigarette that was dangling from Rhys’ fingers between her own and putting it to her lips with a deep inhale. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Rhys would have killed to be that cigarette in that moment, pressed to her lips so tenderly. “No, be my guest. After all those smokes I bummed off of you in high school, I feel like this makes up for it.” He moved an arm around her shoulders, pulling Feyre a little closer and giving her what he hoped was a reassuring squeeze.

“Feyre…”

“If you’re going to get on my ass about getting back to college, I’m going to stop you right there.”

“No, no. I just… Yeah, it took me by surprise, but I just want you to be happy at the end of the day. If you think that marrying Tamlin and keeping up appearances at his business trips is what’s going to make you happy, I’m not going to stop you.” Rhys looked down at Feyre and plucked the smoke straight from her mouth, savouring the burn in the back of his throat as he tried to push the thought of just how intimate a moment this felt out of his mind. “But is it going to make you happy?”

She looked up at him, her blue-grey eyes meeting his. All Rhys could see was apprehension, confusion and sadness roiling within them. It made his heart clench so tightly he could barely stand it - Feyre deserved better than someone who touted her around like a pet on a leash.

“...I don’t know. I don’t know much of anything anymore.”

Maybe he could help make things better. He wanted to help make things better, make all of this go away for her. For his best friend, for the person who always brought him back to home.

“It’s never too late to… change course. Choose something different.”

He could swear he could feel a small current of electricity hum under his fingertips where they met with her arm despite her shirt.

“Like what?” There was so much hope laced into her voice.

Rhys lost his grip on the reins of his thoughts that knew better.

The cigarette in his fingers fell to the concrete as he cupped Feyre’s cheek, turning his body toward her properly as his arm slid from her shoulders to her waist and he kissed her. It was soft and gentle, with all the tenderness and care that he wanted to surround her with. That she deserved to be surrounded with. Her lips tasted like cigarette smoke and the slightly sweet notes of her lip gloss. Rhys didn’t push too hard, not wanting to overwhelm her or give her the impression that she didn’t have a choice, that he was simply trying to take.

Her hands slowly raised to his face, pulling him slightly closer, and he pulled her against his body properly in turn. He could feel her heartbeat picking up pace against his, the way she felt a little more relaxed against him - Rhys could almost die a happy man.

Until she pulled away.

“Rhys, I-”

“Fuck, fuck, Feyre, I’m so sorry-”

“No, I’m- I shouldn’t have. I shouldn’t have done that.” Her fingers were trembling, held to her lips in what could almost be mistaken for reverence, if he hadn’t known any better.

“We can pretend nothing happened, I made a stupid fucking-”

“You weren’t the only one at fault, Rhys.”

There was only a few steps distance between them after Feyre had pulled away, but it felt like a thousand miles now.

“Still, I’m so fucking so-”

“I think… Maybe we need some space. I’m not going to cheat on my fiance with you. I don’t- I can’t think clearly when I’m around you.”

He could feel his stomach drop straight to the ground, filled with lead and regret.

“...Okay.” It was all he could manage to say.

“I’m… I’ll let you know. When I’m ready to see you again.” Her voice shook relentlessly.

“But until then?” His voice was shaky. He knew what she was going to say, but it wouldn’t make it hurt any less.

“...Until then, nothing. Please don’t call me, Rhysand. Not for a while. I need time.”

Feyre wiped at her eyes and mouth a little, taking a deep breath before striding back up the stairs and inside again with that mask, that fucking mask, plastered on her face once more.

Rhys didn’t even bother heading back inside. He went through the side gate of the yard, making his way through the front yard and into his car, sending Cassian a text apologising for bailing early before driving home in complete silence. Guilt, rage, shame and regret slithered across Rhys’ skin and inside his guts relentlessly without a moment of reprieve from the moment he had left and they showed no signs of stopping as he got home, parked his car and rode the elevator up to his apartment. The moment he had finally gotten inside, Rhys slid to the ground against the back of the door.

For the first time in a long while, Rhys sat there with his knees to his chest, and cried. Cried at all he had wanted, all he had and hadn’t done, and all that wouldn’t be.

[gwyns]

“Gwynriel’s know Gwyn cannot carry a book on her own. She needs to piggyback on Nesta’s relevance to even have half a decent storyline and the overarching plot.”

I don’t think any Gwynriel has ever said that Gwyn will be getting her own book. I think most of us have said that Gwyn will have the other pov in Azriel’s book, similar to Cassian in Nesta’s book. Gwyn does have a decent enough storyline and potential plot if you would actually read the scenes that she is in (I’ve actually seen some e/riel’s say that when Gwyn appears they skip the page). Gwyn became the first one to cut the ribbon and become a Valkyrie; she won the Blood Rite and became the first non-Illyrian to do so; there have been many theories on her possibly being connected to Gwydion or possibly finding Narben since acosf came out; she hasn’t left the library but we know that she wants to; she feels unworthy of using her invoking stone; accepting that her sisters death wasn’t her fault; overcoming her trauma and healing; Autumn Court heritage (possibly a Vanserra); whatever is going on with Merrill and the research to other worlds; things we found out from hofas, like the Prison being connected to Nesta, and Gwyn (Emerie also) are her friends and Pegasus used to roam there and we know the Pegasi loved Gwyn the most; Ramiel with the Asteri/daglan, the black monolith at the top, Enalius.

Gwyn definitely has main character energy, it’s just some people don’t want to see the potential. And after hofas, I do believe that it’s Azriel’s that is next (of course it could end up being Elain’s or the novella). Say the next book is Azriel’s and obviously he is the main character with the first pov; Nesta played a big role in hofas, but I don’t think Sarah will give her another book or let her have the other pov, I think it will go to Gwyn since she’s a Valkyrie and connected to Nesta, so this way we can get more information. I really don’t think that the Valkyrie plot line is over.

And wasn’t Sarah originally going to have Nessian’s book be about an Illyrian rebellion or disarray happening in Illyria but scrapped it? Perhaps she’s saving it for Azriel since we know how he feels about that place/his people (similar to how Bryce feels about the fae) and given what we got from hofas (truth teller/Ramiel/Enalius), and it will also tie in the Valkyries, because honestly, I don’t think the males in Illyria are too happy with three women, two of which aren’t Illyrian, participating in the Blood Rite and winning.

and nesta had to "piggyback" off of feyre's relevance, what's their point? that's how spinoffs work

gwyn has heaps of potential as a main character, they're just SO insecure about it, it's plain as day in every word they write. that's why they have to get online to write think pieces about their hatred and downplay gwyn's significance since no one ever taught them how to properly deal with their emotions. basically, they're making it everyone else's problem

i've been here since the dawn of time and have never once seen a gwynriel say gwyn would be the actual mc of a book, we've always theorized about how she, her storyline and her abilities could compliment an az centric story. e/riels know this but they don't have anything proper to cry over so they ignore it and lie, much like they do with the actual books lol

agreed. i feel like hofas only reinforced that the valkyrie plot is far from over, all the connections nesta had with bryce and the dusk court. i definitely think that'll be the valkyries base or something. as much as i love nesta, i feel the same. i don't think she'll get another book or have a centric pov again (obviously this can change), so who is the next character most connected to the valkyries? who helped reform them? who did research on them and was the first to cut the ribbon? who, alongside emerie ANOTHER founding valkyrie, was one of the first females to win the blood rite? the same blood rite that's a sacred illyrian tradition that is connected to azriel, the other acotar character that took center stage in hofas, personally? hmmm... seems like miss janet has quite the coincidence on her hands here!

yup! sjm set up an illyrian rebellion in acofas, showed us that acosf snippet where nessian were going to the illyrian mountains and everyone (rightfully) assumed they were going to deal with that. but years passed and acosf finally came out and the rebellion is just... on the back burner for now? the leader of it was killed quietly off page and now the story centers on the dread trove and valkyrie training but we are still told that another rebellion is brewing. it's clear to me, and many others, that sjm changed her plans a tiiiiny bit and decided to have azriel deal with this plotline. i, for one, am excited to see how sjm handles it!

[bookbitchx]

Blog Introduction.

Marhaba, Salut, Hello.

My blog is mostly centered around the Maasverse.

I don't claim to know what it's like or what it takes to write a successful series, let alone multiple, and I never will.

These are my opinions, mostly based on the ACOTAR series, soon enough TOG (a much needed reread before I can give my solid opinion) and CC (whenever I get to actually reading it.)

Heavily centered tags: Anti Rhysand, Anti Feyre, Anti Feysand, Anti IC, Anti Nessian, Anti Cassian, Anti Amren, Anti Mor.

Pro Lucien, Pro Eris, Pro Tamlin, Pro Nesta, Pro Gwyn, Pro Emerie, Pro Tarquin, Pro Helion, Pro Thesan.

Neutral: Azriel, Elain, Vassa, Jurian, Kallias, Viviane, literally anyone else left.

▪︎Anti Rhysand: I can't stand the guy. Plain and simple.

▪︎Anti Feyre: I liked her in the first book, even a few chapters into AF, where that Feyre went, I'll never know.

▪︎Anti Feysand: The most obnoxious rulers in all of Prythian. It would've been fine if they had anything to back it up with, but they don't.

▪︎Anti IC: This one is obvious. They're more like an inbred cult than a found family.

▪︎Anti Nessian: I deluded myself that the bond is Made, and I stand by that.

▪︎Anti Cassian: He's the worst mate ever written by SJM, and that's saying something since she wrote Rhysand.

▪︎Anti Amren: I could tolerate her in AF, but she's completely unnecessary after WAR.

▪︎Anti Mor: Could've been a great character, failed her miserably in whatever it is she is now.

▪︎Pro Lucien: Why wouldn't I be? Easily the best written character in the series.

▪︎Pro Eris: Everything is not as it seems. Maybe I'll eat my words later on, maybe I won't. We'll see.

▪︎Pro Tamlin: This is a tricky one. I don't condone/encourage/find what he did okay pre-petty Feyre revenge. However, he's more than made up and paid for it.

▪︎Pro Nesta: I also don't condone her actions in the first few chapters of TAR, some of SF, but again, she's more than made up for it.

▪︎Pro Gwyn, Emerie, Tarquin, Helion, Thesan: Obvious reasons.

▪︎Azriel: He's there, I guess. I'm disappointed with the way he was written, but yk. Waiting for his book to make up my mind.

▪︎Elain: She's also there. Idk. From what I did see of her in the books, she's alright. Hated her for not standing up for Nesta, but I'm over it.

▪︎Kallias and Viviane: I loved their story, at least the bits that we saw. However, I'll forever judge them for not hounding Rhysand about the 'other' Daemati's name. I'll keep believing he did it until anon Daemati's head is brought and shown.

▪︎Vassa, Jurian: Gave Lucien a place in the band of Exiles. Nothing more needs to be said.

I'm team Elucien all the way.

Iffy about if Gwynriel will happen, but I would love to see them together.

If these are not your things, it's totally your choice. Feel free to leave, or if you want to debate, I'm all for it as long as neither if us try to convince the other of something and try to shove it down the other's throat.

I do post other things, or I'm going to, mostly book reviews based on these genres: Romantasy, Fantasy, Mystery, YA, Dark Romance.

Also, English isn't my first or second language. If I make grammar/vocabulary mistakes, this is my sorry in advance.

Okay, I think that's it.

Byeeee.

[tangents-within-tangents]

The thing about the "Clone Rebellion" show

I've become a lot more critical of The Bad Batch lately and I think I realized that’s because it’s over. 

That means that 1. I can look back on the whole show retrospectively, and 2. any issues or hopes I had no longer have a chance to be addressed or resolved.

I realized I’ve been very caught up in thinking about the missed potential of the show, and a lot of my disappointment/frustration with the direction TBB took (esp in regards to the "reg" clones) is coming from the fact that a Clone Rebellion show does not exist to make up for it. For now this is all we have, and it’s hard for me to just accept TBB for what it is, because I at least have been operating under the assumption that this is all we're going to get, that this fabled spin-off show is just not going to happen. 

Because here’s the thing: We all kinda talk about it as if it's a given, a not if but when, but as far as I can tell the concept came entirely from the fans. Just speculation and wish-fulfillment. I don’t really keep up with news/interviews/behind the scenes stuff, but I’m pretty sure there have never been any mentions from official sources (y'all freaked out about one animation job listing that could be for literally anything). If there's something I’ve missed let me know, but for now at least there have been no announcements or plans or anything.

The only thing really is that the gaps left in TBB feel like intentional setup (we never got an Echo and Rex solo episode like we did with Crosshair and Cody which feels like they are saving it for something else, Echo’s fate was specifically left open-ended by not mentioning him (for better or for worse) in the epilogue, Emerie joins them at the end setting up for a female character to be in the main cast, etc) but that still doesn’t guarantee that we will ever actually get a show. That feels more like leaving the possibility open, not necessarily making plans. Especially since TBB actually puts any potential Clone Rebellion show in a really weird position:

There's a lot of important clone-relevant stuff going on during TBB (like Order 66, Kamino, the stormtrooper bill, Tantiss) but I doubt they would go back and show that again since it would either be repetitive by rehashing TBB’s timeline, or confusing by relying too much on people having watched another show. Yeah most people probably would have, but that still doesn’t work very well narratively if your important beats are just implied and happening offscreen. Like I would kill to see more of Nemec and Fireball but then they would just disappear after being killed off (for pretty much no reason) in another show! Hemlock and Tantiss base were designed specifically to be clone-centered threats, and the underground network were the ones who actually spent time searching for it, but then they weren’t there for the rescue so there would be no resolution. But if we instead pick up at the end of TBB it seems like most clones have already been phased out of the Empire by then anyway. Yes you could still make things work either way and come up with new plots and stuff but it’s still a tight spot to be in and it doesn’t really feel like the writers took that into account.

Whether we do get another show or not, I think it still had a negative impact on TBB though. Like that show already had a cameo problem, but 'setting up potential future show at the expense of the current one' is such an issue in any media (esp Star Wars and Marvel these days). Since we got pieces of both 'important stuff happening to the clones' and 'fun mercenary adventures with the Batch' rather than just committing to one or the other, or equally to both, it just causes issues for both shows. I’ve been working on a full post about the lost potential, but for now I’ll summarize as:

It hurts TBB bc we get these glimpses of a more meaningful story that our main characters, the ones the show decides to dedicate screen time to, choose not to participate in. It’s like that trope/bad writing thing where the story they mention (Budapest, or like the Cullens' backstories) sounds more interesting than the one they are actually showing us. Like it’s okay that the Batch didn’t take the same route as Echo and Rex, but the route they did take should be of equal or greater importance/intrigue, and it just really wasn’t. It was mostly directionless side quests and that made the characters seem selfish and a lot of the plots feel filler-y because there are so many important things going on elsewhere. 

It's just starting to feel unlikely that we'll get TWO post-RotS "clone-centered" shows, so why waste the one we did get avoiding the more important clone-centered storyline? Why not at the least equally divide the time you did have between the Batch and Echo and Rex? Why make an ensemble show if you're not going to try to actually balance all the characters? Why bring back a fan favorite clone just to push him to the sidelines and ignore all his potential? Why focus on the "clones" who aren't affected by/don't care about clone issues?

Believe me, I still want a show focusing on Rex and Echo's efforts to save the clones (I just wish it was the show we got in the first place)! I genuinely hope that we will get this show someday, not just because I love clones and this concept, but because I really see a need for it, there's a lot of gaps and potential to be filled there (which is also why I'm okay waiting bc frankly I don't trust the current state of Star Wars writers to properly handle that potential). But I’m treating it with a more “not until proven otherwise” approach (because we all know what happens when we get our hopes up lolll). So for now this is what we have, and unless that changes, I think we should treat it as such.

A lot of times when I see people mention the idea of a new show it's as a way to fix any issues within TBB. Like ‘this wasn’t resolved that well, maybe in the clone rebellion show…’ ‘Maybe Tech could still come back in the clone rebellion show’ ‘Maybe Crosshair’s character arc could be more complete…’ etc. But again we don’t know for sure if there ever will be another show, and even if there is, TBB should be able to stand on its own. There are some things I think another show could do (like address the plot hole of why the Empire never came back to Pabu, or actually doing something with the CX troopers) but narratively it does not work for major plot arcs or character development like that to be resolved elsewhere (like how a major Mandalorian plot point happened in the middle of TBOBF???). If we do get a Clone Rebellion show I don't think it would make much sense for the Batch to play much of a role in it. TBB ended with a clear send off for those characters, whether that was fully satisfying to you or not, that was the narrative intention. The Batch could show up as cameos, but this wouldn’t be their story anymore, and we know it couldn’t be because they were very intent on retiring and clearly never cared much about the regs or Empire so why would they suddenly change their minds?

A Tech lives plotline would have to be centered on the Batch, that’s his family, but that would just be really out of place in a separate show, especially post-finale (which confirmed that Tech did not come back in canon (at least until Omega joins the rebellion, if you want to be nitpicky ig)). There always could be ways to make it work anyway if you really wanted to, but we saw what retcon battles did to the Sequel Trilogy, and it still wouldn’t really fix any problems in TBB as a show. I’ve said it before, but if the writers were going to bring Tech back then they simply would/should have (they knew season 3 was the final season and they had plenty of time which they spent fighting space gators and whatnot instead).

I'm not saying this to spoil the fun or like dash anyone's hopes or anything. I don't actually know any more than anyone else, I have no impact on what Disney and Lucasfilm do (and clearly they don't really care about making narratively functional choices anyway, get roasted). For all I know this post could age horribly. I just had some thoughts to get off my chest, because I think it’s unproductive to judge TBB based on the idea of an unconfirmed potential other show--that does not (yet?) exist and wouldn't be about them--instead of looking at it for what it is. 

TBB is over. Canon happened, what we have is what we got. We can love it and hate it and critique it and write our au’s and fix-its, but I really think that it’s done. We have to make space for endings, that's an important part of storytelling (which is also why they need to be well-written but whatever). And we also have to make space for other stories to be told. The Batch had their show, they spent the screen time they had on what they did. Those characters got their time and they got a happy ending wrap up, and now it's (hopefully) time to let some other clones take the spotlight.

[ladybookstan]

I love Gwyneth Berdara

ACOSF - Chapter 9

“I’ve been here for nearly two years, but I haven’t become so disconnected from others that I can’t tell when someone remembers why I am here and alters their behavior.” Gwyn’s mouth flattened to a line.

“I don’t need to be coddled. Only spoken to like a person.”

“I doubt you’ll enjoy the way I speak to most people,” Nesta said.

Gwyn snorted. “Try me.” Nesta looked at her from under lowered brows again.

“Get out of my sight.” Gwyn grinned, a broad, bright thing that showed most of her teeth and made her eyes sparkle in a way Nesta knew her own never had.

“Oh, you’re good.” Gwyn turned back to the stacks. “Really good.” She vanished into the gloom.

ACOSF - Chapter 25

“Why did you sign up for this, then?” Nesta drank the glass Gwyn extended. “If you already have mind-calming exercises you’re accustomed to?”

“Because I don’t ever want to feel powerless again,” Gwyn said softly, and all those easy smiles and bright laughs were gone. Only stark, pained honesty shone in her remarkable eyes.

ACOSF - Chapter 69

“What are you saying?” Emerie asked carefully.

Nesta marveled at the hope and bravery in their faces. “I can hold them off.” “No,” Gwyn said, voice sharpening.

Nesta schooled her features into utter coldness. “You are both injured. You will not survive the fight. But you can manage the climb.

Emerie can help—” “No.” “I can use the bottleneck of the path right there,” Nesta plowed ahead, pointing to the space beyond the archway, “to keep them off long enough for you two to reach the top. Or dawn to come.

Whichever happens first.” Gwyn bared her teeth. “I refuse to leave you here.” Emerie’s pained face told Nesta enough: she understood. Saw the logic.

Nesta said to Gwyn, “It is the only way.” Gwyn screamed, “IT IS NOT THE ONLY WAY!” And then she was sobbing. “I will not abandon you to them. They will kill you.” “You need to go,” Nesta said, even as her hands began shaking.

“Now.” “No,” Gwyn wept. “No, I won’t. I’ll face it with you.” Something deep in Nesta’s chest cracked. Cracked open completely, and what lay within bloomed, full and bright and pure.

She wrapped her arms around Gwyn. Let her friend sob into her chest. “I’ll face it with you,” Gwyn whispered, over and over again.

“Promise me we’ll face it together.”

[shadowriel]

Every Sound Your Heart Makes

Here’s chapter 2 of my secret Santa gift for @headcanonheadcase! It’s been so fun creating this for you, and I hope you enjoy this next part.

Summary: It’s been six years since Azriel came back to his hometown, with his newborn daughter in tow. Six years since Gwyn moved away from whatever heartbreak she’d left behind in her previous life and opened up a diner in Starlight Grove.

Now, unable to resist the urge to help Gwyn, Azriel volunteers to design sets for their town’s Christmas musical. But what happens when the town grump and the woman he’s fallen for can no longer hold back from the inevitable?

Chapter 2: Follow Where You Lead

Read on AO3: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Read a snippet below:

It’s just him. Until he feels someone step out behind him.

There’s a note of surprise, evident in the tensing of Azriel’s shoulders. Even without turning around, he knows who it is: Gwyn, who surely should still be inside, engaged in conversation with the other townspeople. That’s what she does most Thursday nights—he knows this because he often finds himself blinking at the ‘Be Back Soon’ sign settled atop the door of her diner. It seems that even with her limited time in Starlight Grove, she’d already engrained herself enough into the community that people didn't seem to remember a time without her.

Azriel does—remember, that is. Before Gwyn, there had been few things he’d looked forward to in their small town. Yet, ever since he’d met her six years ago, her very presence had reshaped the way he saw this place. The Archeron’s bakery was no longer known for the best pies, but it was where Gwyn giggled in delight as she took bite after bite of what was supposed to be Azriel’s slice. Where she had whipped cream on the tip of her nose, that he gladly wiped off with the pad of his thumb. The town’s bookstore was no longer a place to get books, but where Gwyn had dragged him between shelves, stacking romance novels into his outstretched arms. Where she blushed when he’d settled them on a nearby table, picked one, and read a scene aloud.

And, somehow, Starlight Grove was not only where he’d grown up, but where he’d grown into this new version of himself—one marked with heartbreak and pain and, despite it all, love. He feels it, stirring in his chest, when he holds his daughter, and when he laughs with his mother as the two of them cook dinner. He feels it when he teases Nesta and Emerie, and when he has his annual snowball fight with his chosen brothers. He feels it now, when he recognizes Gwyn from the sound of her footsteps and the feel of her fingers as she wraps a hand around his wrist.

“Come on,” she says simply, using her hold to pull him along. She moves easily across the sidewalk, and even as Azriel presses his heels into the ground, there’s not much force behind it.

He lets her guide him. Of course, he does.

Turning towards Gwyn, he sees that she’s wearing her blue hat again. The material covers the tips of her ears, and, from this close, he can see every stitch in the knitted pattern. Her gloves, however, are absent now, so he can feel the cold press of her fingertips against his skin.

It draws a shiver up his spine, for more reasons than one.

“Where are we going?” he asks, the words strung together in a single breath.

Her response is short—curt. “To the theatre.”

To talk more about their plans for the musical, he’s sure. That’s what Gwyn had told him the week before, but there’s an urgency to her movements that prompts him to shift more of his weight onto his heels. To push back.

“What’s the hurry?”

Gwyn huffs, using her other hand to tighten her grip on him. She puts all her strength into trying to move him, and when he doesn’t budge—not even an inch—she turns narrowed eyes at him.

“I don’t want anyone to see us leaving together,” she admits, her tone more accusatory than anything.

Azriel blinks at her. He wonders if she can see the surprise in his expression as his gaze darts over her features, searching for more of an explanation to make sense of her words. When he doesn’t find it, he can only ask “Why?”

“They’ll talk.”

He laughs. And maybe it’s the lingering effect of the wine, maybe it’s the sight of colour rushing to Gwyn’s cheeks, but the sound is deep—uncontrolled in a way that leaves him nearly breathless.

Taglist (please let me know if you'd like to be added or removed): @foundressofnothing @captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship @trashforazriel @sv0430 @sunshinebingo @shadowsxgwynriel @thelovelymadone @damedechance @talons-and-teeth

For the @acotargiftexchange

[v3nusxsky]

Okay so this this my first time requesting so I hope I’m doing this right. I was wondering if you could do a Morticia x reader agere plot? I was thinking the reader is Morticia’s roomate who is a little but hides it very well afraid that she would be shunned. Maybe it’s been a stressful week and the reader has just been getting picked on a lot and just wants to curl up and slip. So the reader goes back to the dorm and slips. That’s where Morticia finds them and finds it the most adorable thing ever and just plays with them and let’s them relax. If you can’t do it totally understand.

Little love| Agere

*Authors note~ missed my Agere prompts I hope this is okay for you all*

Trigger warnings~ age regression r bullying for r

Prompt~ see ask^^^^^^

✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿

Your roommate just so happened to be the most popular girl in Nevermore and that scared you, until you met her other roommate Larissa Weems. The three of you got along well despite your initial fears but you most certainly tried to keep your regression from them both. Morticia was having visions which stole a lot of Larissa’s time, it made it easier for you to hide. Larissa was a shapeshifter like yourself, you could tell by her appearance and you were sure she could tell by yours but not ever daring to bring it up to you. Knowing that these two girls had such a power and status in Nevermore and that they could possibly shun you and make the next five years of your life hell, you fought to keep your secret.

Exams combined with some asshole students and their loud opinions on you were stressing you out to the max. You couldn’t process what was happening most of the time because you were fighting off the urge to slip. When you allowed yourself to regress your shapeshifter abilities kicked in and you often shifted into a child body that matched your mindset. In fact you decided to give them a name so it felt more comfortable for you. A strange technique but bc you loved to name things you couldn’t help but search for the name you felt fit the little. Shifting allowed you to explore and express just how you were feeling and what you felt you needed in that moment.

Today was particularly stressful and their comments seemingly bothering you more than they normally would. You only made it to your third class of the day before you felt Emery wanting to slip. You immediately excused yourself from the class and hurried back to your dorm room. You thought you’d be safe now, it was school hours and you knew that both your roommates would have classes so the room would be free for you to use and allow yourself the relief of slipping.

Morticia hadn’t been feeling well all morning and truthfully wanted to go and rest. Gomez had convinced his love that he would cover for her and she needed all the rest and care, he would check on her later on. The dorm would be quiet so she could simply go and sleep in a hope of sleeping off the frustrating symptoms off, all until she spotted Emery crying on your bed.

“Little one” she murmured confusion lacing her words but not wanting to upset the almost two year old anymore than they already were. The fear in Emery’s little eyes truly broke the raven haired girls heart. “Well you’re not Rissa are you darling?” Emery shook her head as her curls flew with the motion. “You’re a little?” The simple question seemed to upset the little child further as she began to tumble off the bed and panic, searching for a place to hide.

Morticia was confused but her instincts kicked in, forgetting how rough she was feeling she searched the room for something to coax you to her, she laid her eyes on simplistic teddy bear that had been worn with age. Quickly scooping the stuffie up she called to the little girl and bent down to her level, “is this yours cutie?” The little girl immediately nodded and outstretched her hands, clenching and unclenching her little fists mumbling “low lows!”

“Come here cutie” she whispered handing you the bear and leaving her arms outstretched which caused you to run into them and snuggle up to her. Your little fists rubbing at your eyes, “oh my darling are you tired?” The child offered a nod and sleepy yawn before snuggling more into Morticia. “Let’s lay down darling, want to lay on my bed?” Emery nodded and whimpered shyly, “please momma.” Morticia’s heart swelled with joy at the little name, in your sleepy state she wasn’t sure how much Emery actually understood what she said but she’d take care of the child as if she was her own. You both settled on her bed, Emery resting her little head above Morticia’s heart and her little fist clutching at the onyx coloured dress.

That was how Larissa Weems stumbled into her dorm to find the pair of you a few hours later, snuggled up as morticia had holding you securely to her side. She wanted nothing more than to be the one holding the adorable child, who looked and absolute copy of yourself. Prehaps one day you’d trust her with Emery too.

[acourtofkindness]

Thank you for sending in all the stories, here you can find the collection! Some of these are one-shots, some are longer stories, just click your way through them and also check out their other fics!

Embers in the Wind (Cassian x Nesta x Eris)

by @chunkypossum Cassian and Nesta are happier than they have ever been, or so they thought. When their mating bond snapped, it wasn’t only euphoric it was healing. Both Cassian and Nesta had so many years of trauma to overcome to finally learn to love each other properly. So, what happens when they get thrown a third mating bond that they never expected? What happens when their new mate can’t handle the pressure of the bond? What happens when it's someone they thought they were supposed to hate?

Hold Me Close, Hold Me Tender (Cassian x Nesta x Azriel)

by @acourtofladydeath Nesta has always struggled with more intense cycles than most, and when she became fae it only got worse. Thankfully, her mates Azriel and Cassian are there to take care of her.

I Could Be a Better Boyfriend Than Him (Gwyn x Emerie x Nesta)

by @HeadCanonHeadCase (on ao3) What if when Nesta ran to Emerie's after her fight with Cassian things went a little differently? What if all that talking led to something more? What if both Emerie and Gwyn think they can be a better boyfriend than him?

this is me trying (Cassian x Azriel x Nesta)

@witch-and-her-witcher Aux officer Cassian brings a stray home with him and he doesn't want to let her go. Lieutenant Azriel, and his life partner, thinks he has a bleeding heart and an undiagnosed mental health condition - until he meets Nesta Archeron for himself, sweating and vomiting through a self-led alcohol detox, and decides ... yeah, they should keep her. Nesta is at an all-time low, all her bridges burned, but she's going to pull herself together and try to keep her mess from spilling into these ridiculously gorgeous, kind-hearted Auxie's lives.

[acourtofladydeath]

A Dark Black Night

In "Take These Broken Wings" chapter 3, Cassian, Azriel, and Nesta will have to face the Camp Lords during an Illyrian trial. Emotions run high, and unwanted truths must be faced. Who will the new Camp Lord of Windhaven rule in favor of, and what will it cost?

This chapter is dedicated to all the victims who have survived their assaults and their trials. The system is brutal, and you are seen.

Start reading below the cut and find the full chapter here on AO3.

There was one thing that Cassian had avoided more than any other during his recovery. Rhysand had pushed it off as long as he possibly could, but there could be no further circumvention. The Camp Lords had to be held accountable for their actions, and Cassian would have to face them, and by extension, himself.  Illyria had its own judicial system to try and convict crimes, and since Cassian’s assault was committed by and against Illyrians on their home soil, they had to return to Windhaven for the trial. Rhysand, as High Lord of all fae within the Night Court had attempted to find a way around it, but eventually Nesta and Emerie had stopped him.  “You do realize that this is exactly why Illyria distrusts you right? You’re trying to circumvent a process that’s been in place for thousands of years because it helps your family. Whether the trial happens in Velaris or Windhaven, Cassian will still have to testify, and he will still have to face those lords. You can’t protect him from this,” Emerie explained in a private meeting with Rhysand. Her voice softened in recognition of what their friend would be subject to, but continued nonetheless. “But you can help him by working with Illyria on this instead of against them.”  They’d had several of these get-togethers since Emerie’s talk with him outside Cassian’s room. The pair spent time discussing how his court’s lack of action had caused as much damage as incorrect action would have. Rhysand had listened, and while not much had changed in such a short time, Emerie was hopeful.  The day of the trial, Cassian had requested that Morrigan be the one to winnow him, Nesta, and Emerie to Illyria. She had been more than happy to oblige, but his brothers were left feeling helpless and hurt. Ever since the confrontation in front of Cassian’s door, Rhysand received nothing but a cold shoulder from Nesta. Azriel was another story, though no one knew the tale. Emerie had been most forgiving, and tried to encourage Rhys and Azriel to keep the faith. Rhysand hoped that what had happened between him and the Valkyrie had set some things straight not just between them, but between Velaris and Illyria.  Nesta saw Cassian’s body stiffen immediately once they landed in Windhaven. It was early spring, but the snow still lay thick on the ground. The sharp, cold air cleared her lungs and Nesta reveled in the crisp scent of pine, of home. Despite the impending worry of what was to come, Nesta felt a pang of longing for all Illyria had become to her. It hit Nesta then just how strong the bond had become between her and her chosen home.  And as much as Nesta was glad to be back on Illyrian soil, she watched carefully, ready to be there for Cassian the moment he asked. Cassian’s home had been stolen from him. As he took his first steps, solid from their balancing practice, part of him cowered. An untrained eye might not have noticed, but Nesta could read every flex of every muscle in her mate’s body. He was not okay.  In front of them stood a permanent tent fixture, the material and appearance so much like those celebration tents from the Day of Breaking. Nesta took a deep breath as she remembered the last time she’d walked up to a tent like this, the violence and bloodshed she found within. Today she approached again, ready for a different kind of battle. And she knew that if the tent affected her this much, it must pale in comparison to Cassian’s experience. Nesta approached his side to grasp his hand. Her mate wore a determined look on his face as he slowly began to walk forward, but she felt the slight tremble in his fingers.

Continue reading on AO3.

[daisychains111]

live "tweet" books with me (via the Goodreads progress bar) pt. 6 A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

SHAMELESS PLUG: The rest of the books are on my page as pt 4/4.5 and pt 5 hehe

Nesta laughing at the cauldron is so badass oml.....she was really pissing me off in frost and starlight so this book better redeem her"

you're reading my mind cassian...man up and knock

is he gonna call her nes the whole book YES PEASE

 Nesta "You're not my high lord" Archeron back in action

hahahaha rhys is scared of nesta (for good reason but it's still funny)

I still say that Nesta and Mor are gonna be besties.... it's just a matter of time

HAHAHA self insert smut book shaming

damn Cass brutal as hell

I am beyond excited to watch these two losers lust after each other for the next 700 pages...my favorite annoyances to lovers....plus Cass drooling over Nesta in pants is HILARIOUS

cassian comparing his reactions to things that happened to Nesta to Rhys' reaction to feyre and Tamlin cracks me up....just patiently waiting for their mating bond to kick in

Eris is right, they need him...but 1 he doesn't need to be a dick about it, and 2. I'm not excited for Mor to find out

Nesta making fun of her celibate bat boy "making fun of my smut books? I raise you making fun of you having to jerk off yourself" ICON

how Az isn't laughing his ass off rn I will never know...he's stronger than me that's for sure

hmmmmmm....Nesta dear, that sounds suspiciously like a mating bond

these mf have dirty ass minds....they're really just horny af

cassian don't be a creeper

yes Cassian be very bashful about what the sentient house can see...ya nasty

I would choose to read books with a romantic subplot over just a plain romance book literally every day but sometimes I'm really just like "fuck your war go kiss"

hehe Nesta and Gwen bestie prediction

I love the house so much...such an instigator

OMG JUST KISS ALREADY WTF

choosing to ignore the length of Cassian's hair bc long hair is an ick

AHHHH HIM TELLING HER TO KEEP REACHING OUT HER HAND JUST LIKE MOR TOLD HIM TO DO WITH HER IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL...IM SOBBING

I'm really ready for the Archeron sisters to be on one team...this 2 vs 1 bullshit is stupid...like clearly you love each other

YYAAAYYY KISSIINNGGG

YAYA RHYS AND FEYRE BABY!!! I saw that coming from a millleeeeee away

that is gonna be the most spoiled child known to man

reading this in the library at school is an interesting choice

"Just sex," my ass

azrial is the worst chaperone in all of existence... but he's also clearly the biggest Cassian/Nesta shipper in existence, so it's fine... Also, the way he just knowingly ate at the table after what they did is BOLD

awwww smutty book club

the older sister disapproval is real...also Nesta calling Rhys Rhysand is hilarious

I love Emerie and Gwyn so much omg

Emerie and Gwyn giggling at the sword inuendos is peak bestie vibe energy

every once in a while the Archeron sisters will say something very "human girl in her 20s" and it cracks me up to no end to watch their centuries-old faerie boyfriends look at them as if they're speaking tongues

just admit you're in love with each other..." just sex" is just hurting both of you

that is just about the hottest thing I've ever read

ewwww what does Tamlin want

Nesta needs a pin that says "bitch and proud" bc she really owns that shit like no other

"your my friend" my absolute ass

I love dancer!Nesta

bc I haven't read in like 5 days I can't remember what plan Cassian is ruining rn but I'm glad he's doing it...go dance with your girl pookie

HE HAD MOR GIVE HIM DANCE LESSONS??!!?!? YOU SHUT UP RIGHT NOW

Rhys is good at his job bc he can have feyre AND Cassian freaking out at him in his head and still hold a conversation....live laugh love feyre and Cassian as the Nesta Archeron protection squad

ha ha az...can't hide that you are in love with Elain from Nesta, she sees all

Az getting Nesta a gift is the cutest thing ever

FUCKING FINALLY JESUS CHRIST 🤦🏽‍♀️

Cassian has the confidence of an actual doormat...sometimes it's sweet, sometimes it's annoying as hell

YAY THEY'RE MATES....BOOO THEY'RE STUPID

I love Gwen so much...that's all

THEY'RE GONNA WIN THE WHOLE THING I JUST KNOW

hehe her mate taught her 😊

there is a little too much plot happening right now for a book that only has 30 pages left

cracking jokes after you almost just died...Cassian I love you

OH GOOD GOD FEYRE

death pacts make me want to kill the people who made them

miracle magic objects are gonna miracle magic object now and bc Nesta's a badass everyone's gonna live...the end

YAY NESTA AND RHYS ARE GONNA BE BESTIESSS

awwwwww nyx

if I die never knowing what happened with Eris and Mor I'll kill Sarah myself (I never got to know)

(Afterthought in post-production: this could've been two books bc the way the plot was resolved in the last 30 pages of a 750-page book is WILD)

I'm also not gonna be reading fantasy for a while just bc that's not what's next on the tbr, so it might be a while before I do the next part cause these are harder to make for contemporary novels tehe