#nessian forever

[alatarielqueen]

Credit: @enneagram.and.books (ig)

[princessofmerchants]

Just a reminder that Cassian lends Nesta, the consummate book lover, his favorite book, The Dance of Battle. And Nesta proceeds to inhale it and later discuss it with him, along with reading more books like it, when she realizes its subject is a common interest of hers too.

That alongside the sex and the training, these two also became friends.

(And you know the moment Nesta realized Cass left his personal copy of that book for her, some part of her was a goner, even if she did try to deny it for a while longer, bless her.)

[pinkrasberryfish]

something i love about elriel v the other ships, established or not, is that we're not dealing with power dynamics as a central theme or trope.

nessian had the whole "i'll beat your ass in the training ring before i drag you up the mountain for a torture hike" thing and feysand had the whole mind-r*pe daemati "go steal your own engagement ring and learn to read hoe I'm your teacher now" situation. even the girlies were kind of rough on their men too, like nesta punishing cassian sexually and feyre not trusting rhys and all that...

elriel is like cozy hot people who like to whisper to each other and make jokes while baking or enjoying the gardens. and he's already put his azussy out there to show how much he likes her by saving her (!!!!!!) from hybern. like they're friends to lovers as much as forbidden love trope. and as a friends-to-lovers girly, I'll never stop stanning.

[lunaduskxo]

If cliche is three brothers and three sisters ending up together, then why did Sarah J. Maas say “I thought it was obvious?”

Mor’s drawing-“Three females with absurdly long, flowing hair that all resembled hers; and three winged males…”

That’s more than obvious to me.

[merwgue]

I'm a certified nessian hater before I am anything else, thank you.

[jahelyden]

ACOWAR Cassian would have killed ACOSF Cassian.

ACOWAR Cassian would never have let ACOSF Cassian treat Nesta how he treated her.

ACOWAR Cassian would have stand up for Nesta every time in ACOSF.

[violetasteracademic]

Yet again, a million years late but I cannot control when I must burrow in my hidey hole

2024 Fic Writer End of Year Roundup

Thank you for the tags, my beloved @rosanna-writer @foundress0fnothing @yourstarsmyscars

Answer and then tag three or more creators to keep the game going!

(If you're in my answers consider yourself tagged if you'd like to play!!)

1. How many words did you publish on AO3 in 2024?

This was my first year on AO3, and I posted 216,682 before the calendar year ended!

2. How many fics did you complete this year?

2, one longfic Golden Doe in a Valley of Shadow and a one shot, Before the Night Ends, made specifically for my beloved @theseersgarden and some beautiful Elriel art she had commissioned by Lulybot! (This one may technically not be finished... we shall see)

3. How many in progress or ongoing fics did you start this year?

Four in progress, all three parts of Velaris Memorial Hospital (which is kind of like one big intertwined Feysand, Nessian, and Elriel AU) and another long fic, A Court of Twisted Fate

4. What was your favorite thing you wrote?

Oh this is so hard. Everything I wrote was what I needed in the moment, so it's difficult to disentangle myself. But I do think Me, You and the Moon Part One and Two from A Court of Twisted Fate was one of my favorite experiences writing. Also some of my favorite things I wrote haven't been posted yet, so I can't share yet!

5. What piece was your most experimental or different from your usual style?

Absolutely Velaris Memorial Hospital. I have been writing third person limited fantasy and sci-fi for well over a decade, and have followed that in my fanfiction. Writing contemporary romance or modern AU in first person perspective was not something I ever imagined doing, but it has unlocked something in me. I am a huge contemporary romance reader, but writing has been an incredible new journey and I have so much newfound respect for first person perspective!

6. Did any fics surprise you - either while writing or their reception?

Again, Velaris Memorial Hospital. It is by far my smallest readership (which I expected, I am new to the Nessian and Feysand arena and of course there's a huge variety of ship and character preferences. Not everyone is a fan of all three brothers and all three sisters) but it has wound up by far being some of the most engaged and supportive readers, and I have been absolutely loving writing for it!

7. Do you have a fic you wrote and loved that went under the radar? (This is your sign to reblog/repost it!)

Hmmm it's a bit hard to say, I don't have have that many fics out and not a super good sense of this yet. I do think my Nessian fic, The Albatross has my lowest metrics overall. And writing for Nesta and Cassian has also unlocked something very deep and inspired within me. But VMH is an enormous project and kind of choose your own adventure, so I hope it gets some more love in the long run!

8. Who is an artist that inspired you?

Literally too many to count but I have to give the biggest shoutout to @elainemg97. Her artistry knows no bounds, and she is one of the best Elriel eggs out there. She is always kind and encourages positive fandom behavior, and is so encouraging and passionate about helping other artists grow and encouraging them on their journey! @stickyelectrons has such a beautiful eye for color, I just love what she manages (especially for Lucien) and I'm such a fan of @santkazoya and @tealeaves-and-rosepetals

9. Who is an author that inspired you?

Literally way way too many to count. @yourstarsmyscars, @rosanna-writer, @foundress0fnothing, @nikachansstuff, and citizenofvelaris are not only phenomenal writers but inspired beta readers and I feel so lucky to know them. @bloomingdarkgarden and @tealeaves-and-rosepetals are magic and pixie dust, truly phenomenal writers but also so available to support other writers and brainstorm and daydream with. I definitely have a lot more fic to read, I write much more often than I read so it leaves me pretty behind. But I'm sure I missed some and there are so many exceptional writers in this fandom!

Oh also, @tswaney17 has stepped away from fic writing but I'm SO excited for her journey repurposing I Do Bad Things With You into an original story for publishing!

10. Who is a new author you discovered?

See all of the above, but a special shoutout to @jasmineandcedar who writes such lovely short form pieces for Tumblr and did a Shakespeare inspired piece that had my jaw on the floor.

11. Did you do any collaborations? How did it start?

Before the Night Ends with @theseersgarden! It started just with @theseersgarden brainstorming ideas for a caption for an artwork in process, and trying to come up with a title/head canon/sweet moment to describe the scene. And then it spiraled into, wait a min... there's a whole ass fic here.

12. What accomplishments are you proudest of?

It has been really awesome to see how well received Golden Doe in a Valley of Shadow was. I try not to get too caught up in what fic is the most popular and whether or not I'm showing up on "best" lists, because art is subjective, and as I mentioned, I think some of my best work has had the smallest engagement. But Golden Doe in a Valley of Shadow was my first ever fic. I was a little baby on tumblr and thought maybe four or five people would read a few chapters. I had no idea it would take off in the way that it did, and it still stuns me to this day. Other than that, just writing consistently, and finding wonderful people who fill my cup and and are so supportive and encouraging.

13. What did you learn about writing or creating this year?

Fic writing is super different from original novel writing in a lot of ways, and I still feel like I'm getting my footing in a lot of ways. I find myself very often coming to my fellow writers being like- does this fly in fic culture? Am I overthinking this? But I think the heart of all creative writing is the same, which is trying to find the joy and a build a story that draws readers in and it's just a beautiful thing to invite people into the visions that take place in your mind, even if you are still learning and imperfect. Because you never know what will connect with someone. Also, shadows make great dildos.

14. Any advice you’d like to share with new or aspiring writers?

Don't be afraid of the work. Do not fear the muck. Lean into the trenches. I am a huge advocate for transparency in the writing process, and the writing world (fic especially) I think is extra guilty of uplifting the work that just flowed out of them and took no effort at all. Grabs face LISTEN TO ME. Your best work might be what you fought the hardest for. Your strongest scene might be the one that had you in a black pit of despair, extremely close to giving up. Writing is a craft. The only way to get better is to write, this is true. But many people write thousands and thousands of words and never improve, because of the notion that writing should be easy, that it can only happen when you are inspired and flowing and know what you are doing.

Do not fear the trenches. Do not shy away from the work. Not everything comes easily. That doesn't mean you are a bad writer or can't do it. DISPEL the ideas that writing should be easy or come naturally or not require deep effort and work.

15. What are your creative goals for 2025?

To focus back more on original work. I don't do well with working on more than one project at a time, and I really dug myself into it working on four stories at once. There is no room left for my novel writing, but I can't leave projects unfinished or they will weigh on me. Also continuing to figure out my place in fandom and sharing what I can while staying away from the things that drain me and take away my joy. OH and letting myself take more time. AO3 is an archive, the work will live on. Encouraging myself to be human and need rest and time away. It's so critical to detach from the need for a constant stream of validation, breathe, and focus on the work and your well being.

If you’re tagged in this, please consider yourself tagged for the game!

[daughter-of-lethe]

When this fandom will understand that physical touch is a type of love language too?

[c-e-d-dreamer]

Hey, you! Yes! You!

Are you looking for a fun way to close out 2024 and welcome in 2025? What better way to spend the clock ticking over to a new year than with Taylor Swift and Nessian 😉 That's right! If you haven't already, you SHOULD enjoy all that Nessian Swiftmas has to offer tonight

I mean look at all these cool fics written by cool people. Who says no to that?

Full Nessian Swiftmas Collection on AO3

You and I Would've Found Each Other (In Another Life) (Timeless) by @unhealthyfanobsession

You Can See It With the Lights Out (You Are In Love) by yours truly

I Would've Died for Your Sins (The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived) by @whyisaravenlike-awritingdesk

Would It Be Enough? (Peace) by @wishcamper

You Were Never Not Mine (imgonnagetyouback) by @moodymelanist

The Story Isn't Mine Anymore (Long Live/New Year's Day/The Manuscript) by @xxvalkyriesxx

A fic inspired by Mine by @jsmelodies (coming soon! 😉)

[deathsweetblossoms]

I’m sorry but I’m never fucking getting over this!!

[highladyofterrasen7]

The craziest thing nesta stans did was convince themselves Eris would be better for her than cassian

[pinkrasberryfish]

If you’d like a festive binge read for the holidays, The Pointe of Love is waiting for you! A ballet AU for Elriel and Nessian set in a dance company where prima ballerinas Nesta and Elain encounter the new sexy choreographers. All will come to a climax at the annual solstice show! 🩷🌟☕️🌙🎄🧁🩰📯🎼 Enjoy!

[lunaduskxo]

Oh the antis get so triggered when we compare Elriels BC and Nessians.

I wonder why…

Is it because both of these males would have begged on their knees for a taste of these females?

Probably 😗

[duskandcobalt]

Me when I saw a 30 slide tiktok of “elriel proof” a week after finishing acosf and then proceeded to make them my entire personality

[fendyr]

sometimes i wish i was an artist simply so i could draw the scene in acosf where cassian sees nesta's hair down for the first(?) time and is like 😳 it's beautiful 😳 **stands in awe** **stunned silence** **nesta blushing**

[daughter-of-lethe]

Bloody Nessian🥵

Bloodtober Nessian.

Mommy and Daddy are so hot covered in blood🥵

Art by: Tonyviento