#nesta and gwyn should have ended up together

[acourtofthought]

Elriel’s that pray that Lucien dies or make jokes that red heads should be extinct because of Gwyn and Lucien are the funniest people ever😭😭 

I don’t even care. Ship your ship, but praying that Lucien or Gwyn dies is so funny to me.

Because we all know that it would killl both Elain and Azriel emotionally if Lucien or Gwyn die (assuming Gwyn is Azriel’s mate).

Soooo I don’t know how they expect both of them to be happy together after that.

That would be such a miserable relationship. Wouldn’t even want my worst enemy to read that.

You know why I love Eluciens and Gwynriels? Because they want happiness for all the characters and that means each character ending up with the best of the best. Lucien and Elain? Two of the main side characters of the series who have been around since book 1. Two main side characters who have been set up for big big things. Gwyn and Az? Two fan favorites! Two pairs and two possible mating bonds (with one confirmed) equals happiness for EVERYONE, not just Elain and Az. E/riels either want Lucien to die or end up with Vassa, a HUMAN queen who he doesn't share a bond with and someone who has never even expressed romantic interest in guys let alone a guy of an entirely different species. E/riels also don't care whether one of Nesta's best friend, a female who was responsible for helping her heal, ends up evil or dead. E/riels honestly do not care about anyone outside of Elain and Az and their theories make that obvious. Rhys is the bad guy, Gwyn is evil, Lucien is horrible. Every single character is a foil to Elain and Az's love story!!! I think they're going to be in for a shock when the next books are out though because Sarah loves all her characters. She's not going to ruin Nesta's friendship with Gwyn for E/riel. She's not going to destroy her own personal Jamie Frasier for E/riel. She's not going to make Rhys the bad guy for E/riel (especially when after SF she is on record as saying "Nesta thinks he's the worst but we know he's not, Rhys is the best."

[the-sky-is-heavy-so-i-write]

i love re-examining media i enjoyed as a child (some of which i should NOT have been reading) cause it’s always either still really good or the literal worst piece of shitty garbage i’ve ever read in my life and i wonder how i ever even enjoyed it.

recently however i was re-reading a book series i liked when i was younger and realized it’s a lot more fucked up than i remember. like im reading it and i think holy shit how can anyone like this man (referring to the main love interest) how did i even like this man. it’s truly wild.

i should probably talk to my therapist

[qwimblenorrisstan]

Blood Red | Azriel x Cassian’sister!Reader

Summary: After both you and Azriel are left, abandoned and replaced by those close to you, you find company with him in a night of drunken lust, only for old secrets to be unburied in the morning along with a mating bond.

Word Count: ~3k

Warnings: Smut, oral f!receiving, p in v, mentions of infertility, abuse, arguing, but it all ends up okay

Minors, do not interact!

A/N: Whoever requested this (you know who you are) this was sooo fun to write and I hope it was what you wanted, hope you enjoy it<3

Requests are open!

You and Cassian have always been thick as thieves, brother and sister, close and closer, dumb and dumber. You had gotten into countless shenanigans and ridiculous situations with your older brother, and he’d dragged you out of most of them, thankfully.

You were more than thankful to the Mother for providing you with someone like him; family of your own, closer than even your adoptive family that was Rhys and Azriel.

Things had been different lately, though.

“Hey, Cass? Are we still heading to that movie tonight?”

You asked, poking your head into his room. He was sharpening his blade, a habit of his. He glanced up at you, golden eyes gleaming with apology as he shook his head.

“Can’t. Have to train the Valkyrie’s tonight. It’s their friendship-anniversary thing or whatever.”

He said with a little shrug, you raised a brow, but then left his room. Did you feel a tug in your gut about the fact that he was prioritizing Nesta and her friends over you? Maybe. Maybe a little more than just a maybe.

It only got worse as the days went on.

The night she and Cassian had planned to spend at Rita’s together? He was busy with Nesta that night.

In the afternoon they were supposed to go on a hike together, one they go on every single year? Postponed. The reason why? He was ‘busy’, and that business was with Nesta based on the hickey’s on her neck the morning after.

You were slowly and surely being replaced, and there wasn’t a thing you could do about it. Every little activity you’d enjoyed with him, he was now enjoying with Nesta, and occasionally Gwyn and Emerie would join them.

Little did you know, you weren’t the only person who felt that way.

*********************************************************

Azriel didn’t know what he was doing wrong, or if what was happening was out of his control completely.

“If you need to fuck someone, go to a pleasure hall, but leave her alone.”

Rhys had said. They couldn’t risk making Lucien all pissy and causing a fight between the two for Elain. That would only complicate things between Court alliances, not to mention Elain was still delicate from her experiences with the Cauldron.

He had slowly but surely seen Elain drifting away from him, piece by piece.

The first occurrence had been when she tolerated Lucien at the Winter Solstice, and worse, had hugged him after his gift. What was that gift, you may ask? A set of small porcelain houses meant for storing spices, all of which she used for cooking her various recipes.

The gift had been genius, playing just into what she’d liked. And Azriel hated that.

Next, it had been when she was there to support him when he learned of his true heritage. She’d wiped his tears away and encouraged him to tell Helion. And just like that, the fiery fox bastard was the Heir of Day Court.

Azriel had certainly noticed the extra time the two had been spending together, the little walks through her garden they shared, how his hands would warm with magic and keep her toasty on cold winter nights.

It had only been a matter of time before the two of them had accepted the bond, and when they had announced it, Azriel felt as if his heart cracked in two. What only made it worse was the second announcement; Elain would be going to live in Day Court with Lucien.

He knew he should feel happy for them, he knew he should, but he couldn’t find it in himself to feel anything other than anger and regret he’d let himself get so attached with no promise of a future with her.

She’d moved before he’d even had a chance to say goodbye, and maybe that was for the best. He didn’t know what words might betray him and spill out when he didn’t want them to.

He found himself sticking to himself more often than not, and he noticed something else; you.

You seemed just as lonely and isolated as him. The night he really noticed it was when the entire Inner Circle was out at Rita’s for the night.

Cassian and Nesta were dancing and drinking happily, Rhys and Feyre sipping at their drinks while talking, Mor flirting with the waitress she’d been eying for the past century, and Amren had probably snuck off to a bar bathroom with her lover.

It only left you and Azriel, sitting tensely at a table together, a booth to be exact. You sipped at your drink, not seeming to want it too much. He watched quietly, offering the silent comfort he always did.

You seemed…distracted, worried almost. He’d seen that look enough before to know what it was, you were distressed, and most likely hiding something.

“What?”

You then asked, looking up at him questioningly. For the centuries he’d known you, his mind never felt as blank as before. He’d been staring.

“Nothing, but you…”

He hesitated, before sighing and finishing his sentence.

“You look…upset.”

He finished. You gave him a dry look.

“Yeah, well, so do you. Guess everyone else gets their happily ever after with a mate except us, huh?”

He nearly winced at that. You had hit the nail on the head with that statement. Everyone was happy and mated with their lover and in couples, living out their own happily ever after, while the two of you were here, mateless, loveless, and lonely. Replaced.

“I’m sorry about what happened with Elain, though. It sucks.”

He stiffened at the mention of her. He’d just been hoping to drink himself to death and get a cheap hookup tonight. He was already halfway to drinking himself to death point, already three or four cups in. He’d counted four from you.

“Nevermind her,”

He said, shaking his head. The alcohol flowed through his veins like liquid courage as he then caught your gaze, eyes lingering a second longer than they should’ve before he offered his hand, standing up.

“Care for a dance?”

*********************************************************

You were just how you’d wanted to be tonight, too drunk to care about anything, though you supposed it backfired when you ended up in a slow, oddly romantic waltz with the shadowsinger.

It felt wrong to look at him that way, but it also felt so, so right.

His hands found your waist as you slowly danced, your chest pressing up against his until he could feel your pert nipples through your thin shirt — that was when he realized you weren’t wearing a bra. And based on the heady scent of arousal coming from you, he assumed no undergarments in general.

You’d come for the same thing as him. A release.

And who was any other male to give it to you, other than himself?

*********************************************************

The night was filled with wild mistakes, heated touches, and whispers of affection that would soon probably be forgotten.

He’d whisked you away under the cover of shadows, into his dark room, cool whispered touches of shadows slipping your clothes off and dropping them to the floor as Azriel’s mouth found your own, his tongue slipping between your lips as he’d pinned you against the mattress.

And just like that, his head had slid down between your legs, tongue slipping between your folds to lap at them.

“I’ve wanted to taste this pussy for centuries,”

He growled, fingers going to slip in and pump inside of you, curling against that sweet spot while he lapped and sucked at your clit.

“Az,”

You moaned, hand tangling itself in his thick head of midnight curls, tugging him ever closer. He was eating you out like a starved man deprived of any food or water for decades.

Your back arched into him, and before your climax could wash over you, his mouth had dragged up and was against yours again, before moving to lick and suck on one of your nipples. His finger slipped out and silenced your whines by being slid into your mouth, with you obediently sucking on them and whimpering at the taste of your slick.

You felt his hard cock rub against your legs as his knees nudged your thighs apart, making you spread before he was filling you in moments, every glorious inch going deeper and deeper, tears pricked your eyes as you moaned around his fingers, before he finally removed them.

He was panting by then.

“So fucking tight, this cunt’s squeezing me so good.”

He groaned, already rutting into you like an animal in heat at that point. Your previously cut-short climax had your walls fluttering around him as it came back with a vengeance, completely overtaking you as you sobbed around his cock, body trembling and writhing beneath him.

He was utterly entranced.

He watched his half-lidded eyes as you had your orgasm, looking so beautifully wild and untamed, and it didn’t take long before he was spurting thick ropes of cum into you, painting your insides.

He collapsed onto you, panting and feeling boneless. The only thing he had the energy to do was wrap his arms around you and hold you close, wing draping over the both of you.

You shuddered, curling up against his chest, managing to pull the blankets over both of your bare bodies, too fucked out and intoxicated to notice that the glamour you had on your wings was gone.

*********************************************************

“Get up, Az, it’s time for traini-“

The both of you scrambled up, your head pounding with a headache, no doubt the alcohol for last night’s fault. Cassian stared at you wide-eyed. You assumed it was the fact that you’d just been caught naked in Azriel’s room, smothered with his scent and the scent of sex, but Azriel quickly tugged some clothes to cover his lower half on, stopping and staring at you.

Cassian’s face contorted in something of shock, betrayal, and overwhelming anger. Illyrian wing colors were usually always genetic, Cassian himself had the same dark wings as everyone else, but they were red when the light shone on the membranes, Az’s were a twilight color, and Rhys’ an amethyst color.

Your wings, however, had a shade of red through the veins, much more obvious than in any other wings. Now that the glamour wasn’t on them, they even had a tint of red to the usually black bat wings.

He recognized those wings, as did Azriel.

“You’re Devlon’s?”

Cassian’s now pissed voice boomed, and you pulled a robe on, useless tears now welling in your eyes. This was what you deserved for hiding it for so many years. You’d never been Cassian’s sister, not by blood like he believed. Your father had simply deemed you infertile and thrown you out to the streets, where his mother had claimed you as her own. You’d both been so young that neither of you remembered.

“I wanted to tell you-“

“When?”

His now booming voice demanded, eyes full of anger and pain, taking a step towards you at which Azriel snarled and intercepted him.

“Don’t.”

Azriel said, his voice low and deadly calm. It was then that you felt it, that tug towards him, the snapping. It must’ve formed for him last night, you realized. That was why he hadn’t sent you off to your room.

“She lied to me, to us for years, Az. She has his wings. She’s not even my sister.”

Cassian’s voice replied, the males both glaring at each other. His words stung more than anything, “She’s not even my sister.” Almost no one in their Inner Court was biologically related, but that felt more personal.

“Not another word.”

Azriel snapped white-hot anger in an intensity he’d never felt before welling up as he saw your eyes fill with tears.

“Why? What’s it to you? What else has she lied to us about?”

“If you say another goddamn word about my mate I will rip your throat out.”

Cassian’s eyes widened, staring in shock, before narrowing. His gaze caught with yours, watching you cry. His instinct to protect warred with knowing that you’d deceived him for years.

“Answer my question. When were you going to tell me?”

A sudden anger built up in you, your grief turning to anger.

“I was going to tell you that night at our hike, but you were too busy fucking Nesta to make time for me, like everything else.”

You snarled, and he growled at the mention of his mate. A realization sounded in his chest. He sighed.

“Fine. Fine. If you want to play like that. But don’t expect me to trust you again.”

He said, before storming out of the room judging by the sounds of commotion in the other room, you could assume that he’d gone to tell everyone else the secret you’d harbored for centuries.

Azriel looked at you, walking over to you, one hand wrapping around your waist and going to your back, pulling you into his chest. His gaze went from your red wings to your eyes, a somber look in his hazel eyes, mixed with the previous anger.

“I think it’s a wonderful color.”

He murmured, trying to be reassuring.

“You aren’t mad?”

You asked, silent tears rolling down your cheeks as you nuzzled into his bare chest.

“It was your secret to share. I’m only upset we didn’t make ourselves trustworthy enough for you to feel comfortable sharing it.”

He spoke, words gentle and lacking the harsh edge Cassian’s had.

“What about the bond?”

You asked. He hesitated but spoke.

“I think it’s the best thing that’s happened to me since meeting you.”

That got a small smile and a huff of laughter out of you, which he was more than thankful for.

“If that weren’t so cute, I might call it corny.”

He chuckled lightly, the sound deep and rich, soothing to your soul.

“Let’s just get through dinner tonight. We can do that, together. I’ll slaughter Cassian if he goes too far.”

*********************************************************

He might just have to slaughter Cassian five minutes into the dinner.

It had been tense from the beginning since you’d come, red-tinted wings not glamoured or covered by any sort of magic. The conversation was dry and scarce, and Cassian was stabbing the meat on his plate with concerning force.

Eventually, Amren rolled her eyes and sighed into her glass of wine, eyes landing on you.

“Address the elephant in the room or I will, and you won’t like the latter, girl.”

Her clipped tone spoke out. You swallowed, throat suddenly feeling dry. Your hand squeezed Azriel’s under the table. Everyone was now watching you closely, even Cassian, who seemed to be feeling a mixture of anger and guilt.

“I’m…sure you’ve figured out by now that I’m..his daughter.”

Your voice was shaky and unsteady, and already had every protective instinct in Azriel’s body flaring up angrily.

“I’m sorry I never told any of you, it’s a long story-“

“We have all night.”

Cassian’s voice spoke out, sharp as a knife. Rhys and Azriel both shot him a death glare. You swallowed, staring down at your plate, trying hard not to break down.

“I was labeled infertile, and he threw me out — Cassian’s mom took me in and..I never brought it up, because I thought you’d think differently of me.”

You spoke, though it slowly turned to quiet mumbles the longer you spoke. Cassian’s sharp gaze softened.

“I - we wouldn’t have thought that.”

He spoke, voice still upset, but not as harsh anymore. Azriel’s gaze moved over to him, still swimming with anger.

“Really? Because the first thing you did upon discovering it was tell her that you weren’t her sister and that you wouldn’t trust her again.”

Azriel’s voice snapped before he could stop it. Rhys and Feyre looked on between the two, clearly surprised by Azriel’s comment. He was always the patient one, never getting angry or worked up. Amren only raised a brow.

Cassian opened his mouth to reply, but another sharp glare from Rhys shut him up. Rhys, ever the peacemaker for tonight, then spoke.

“I think there has been quite a lot of…misunderstandings between you two. She was not obligated to tell you that, Cassian and it wasn’t anything personal. She was scared, that was all, and your reaction to the news is not helping.”

His unamused voice spoke, clearly in High Lord mode and trying to piece everyone back together and stop the conflict. He had enough on his plate with Nyx and his duties now, he didn’t need this.

Cassian sighed, meeting your eyes.

“I’m sorry, for…saying what I said. I didn’t mean it. I was just mad, you’ll always be my sister, related to that piece of shit or not. Also for letting you down to spend some time with Nesta.”

You seemed more than relieved at that, giving him a little smile. If Nesta weren't currently leading her training with the Valkyrie, she might've been offended by that.

“And I’m sorry for keeping it from you, all of you.”

You replied, but before anyone could get anything out in response to it, Mor walked in fashionably late and sat down next to Amren, pouring herself some wine.

“Can we talk about the chemistry between you and Azriel, though?”

She asked with a smirk, at which you nearly turned pink, and Azriel gave her a withering look. Rhys smirked and Cassian snickered, all the while Feyre watched the two of you with a knowing look.

“You could always borrow my cabin in Illyria, for when you both accept the bond, and based on last night, I’m assuming it’ll be soon.”

Rhys’ amused tone then rang out, at which you turned bright red, and even Azriel had a hint of a blush on his tanned cheeks, avoiding Rhys’ gaze.

“Sure. Thanks.”

He managed to choke out, everyone bursting into laughter at that. You squeezed Azriel’s hand beneath the table, and he squeezed it back. He met your gaze, a silent “I love you” in his eyes, and a whispered “I love you, too” from your own.

You might need that cabin earlier than you’d expected.

[oristian]

The only way in which Elain’s book would not include a POV from Lucien is if SJM had already resolved the bond prior to the book beginning. Lucien and Elain should have already attempted to work the bond out—possibly even getting together out of the convenience of it all—so that the reader can see that clear effort was attempted to make it work.

The reader should have seen both Elain and Lucien suffering while together, clearly seeing that SJM was indicating that they were a poor match. That is when SJM should have begun interjecting that the bond could be broken and that poor matches exist across their world, insinuating that such a narrative arc would take place between Elain and Lucien. She then should have slowly started filing in the blanks and creating angst and tension between Elain and Azriel and Lucien and another potential love interest.

ACOWAR should have wrapped up Elucien completely as not to raise any doubt that they would not be together in the spin-off. Elain and Lucien should have either rejected the bond amicably, or have begun the process to do so—we should have fully experienced their feelings on the matter. Coupling that with the ACOSF bonus chapter without the addition of Gwyn would have set up a foundation wonderfully for the next book being told from Elain and Azriel’s POV.

However, that was not the case.

No resolution for the bond between Elain and Lucien, contextual information that explains that males are affected more, the bond never going away, et cetera., all supports Lucien being the secondary POV in Elain’s book. Gwyn being included in the ACOSF bonus chapter and it ending with Azriel smiling at the thought of her, his chest sparking and other consistent mate language, all indicate that his endgame will be with Gwyn—not even including the scenes between them in the main book. Azriel should not have been included in the Valkyrie training arc in ACOSF if SJM planned on him being with another character. She would have used the background of ACOSF to fully tie him and Elain together, having both Nesta and Cassian notice and narrate interactions between them, creating moments that would indicate their endgame.

This has been reiterated so heavily, but this is a book series. There are industry standards across the world of literature, but also in the romantasy genre—rules and expectations to create tropes and to satisfy a true HEA between couples. As the mating bond is just as much his as it is Elain’s, his POV is vital to her story just as much as she is to his. If people wanted to read contemporary romance, I would suggest Colleen Hoover.

A fated mates trope will do it every single time.

[aldbooks]

So, my friend @hlizr50 posted this lovely art during Gwynriel week and it inspired an idea that's been rolling around in my head until I finally spit it out in Word tonight. So, don't mind any typos or grammar, I did exactly zero editing 😅 Enjoy!

793 words

A distinctly masculine yelp called the entire training ring’s attention to the far end where Gwyn was…. Hanging from the Shadowsinger’s back… side? It was hard to tell from this angle. All Cassian knew for sure was Gwyn’s coppery head was much higher than it should be, and her feet were wrapped somewhere around Az’s middle, rather than on the ground. His brother stumbled at the sudden shift in weight, his wings flaring wide.

As Cassian watched, Az managed to pry one of Gwyn’s legs from around his torso but she quickly scrambled around his body, repositioning herself until she had somehow draped her body across the back of his neck, one of his arms grasped between hers, the other between her thighs.

“Son of a-” Az’s words cut off with a growl as he again attempted to free himself from her hold. He could hear Gwyn snarl at him to yield, which of course Azriel refused- as he should. He wasn’t defeated yet.

But cauldron, did they look ridiculous. 

Nesta and Emerie appeared at this side, wearing amused looks as they watched their friend make a proper fool out of the famed Spymaster. “What do you even call that hold?” Emerie asked with a snort as Azriel’s wings bent and stretched, trying to stabilize him while he worked to get free.

“I think it’s called a Nelson?” Cassion shrugged trying not to laugh as Gwyn “accidentally” kicked Az’s wing, drawing another strangled yelp from him. “But I’ve never seen it done like that…’ 

He finally loosed a grin as an idea came to him. Focusing his mind, he called out to Rhys, hoping his brother was paying attention wherever he was in the city. A moment later, a smooth voice spoke in his mind “Yes, Cassian?”

“You gotta see this.”

Rhys gave an intrigued hum. “Is that so?” There was a brush at his mind and Cassian opened a small window for his brother to see through his eyes. 

Just then. Az managed to find a ticklish spot behind Gwyn’s knee, loosening her hold with a squeal. Before he could pull her off of him completely, however, she scrambled around again, somehow hooking one leg around his back, one over his shoulder, ankles locked together, and both hands wrapped behind his neck.

This time the shift of weight unbalanced him entirely, sending him to his knees… Gwyn still hanging from his neck.

Cassian couldn’t help a chuckle then as a matching one sounded in his mind. He felt a pause on Rhys’ end before he felt another presence in his mind. “Oh my,” Feyre giggled. “How did she get up there?”

“I don’t know, I heard a shout and turned around to find her hanging off him. Everytime he manages to get an arm free, she moves and traps him again,” Cassian laughed. “We might want to consider ear plugs for the poor priestesses, Az’s been cursing up a storm the last couple minutes.”

Az wedged a hand beneath the thigh wrapped over his shoulder- dangerously high- and Nesta whistled. “You usually have to pay to get that handsy, Shadowsinger. Watch it!”

The hand quickly disappeared with a frustrated growl, and Gwyn, the cheek, laughed merrily at his predicament. From the corner of his eye, Cassian caught sight of Mor and Amren perched on lounge chairs, watching the show. How and when they had gotten here, he wasn’t sure. But they were turning his training ring into theater and he should probably say something, but he was too entertained by the spectacle.

After a few more moments of struggling - each attempt at tickling Gwyn now resulted in her thrashing about and shrieking, battering Az’s poor wings even further, even as she clung to him like a magnet- until finally, Az’s wings drooped with a sigh. 

“Do you yield?” Gwyn asked cautiously, still holding tight. There was a mumble and then- “What was that? I couldn’t hear you?”

“Yes, I yield. Gods damn it.”

Immediately, Gwyn dropped to the ground, rolling numbly from underneath him and springing to her feet with a triumphant crow. Nesta and Emerie burst out laughing while the other priestesses rushed over to congratulate Gwyn on besting the Symaster. Mor, who apparently wanted more of a show, booed loudly and tossed popcorn in Az’s direction, which Cassian had no idea how she’d gotten.

“Is he- blushing?” Feyre asked.

Sure enough, Az had slunk off to the side of the ring, his cheeks pink as he gingerly rubbed his shoulder. His shadows, which had been dancing around him and Gwyn throughout the entire bout, not interfering, now twirled in the air behind him. If he didn’t know better, Cass would think they were laughing. “Yes, Darling, I think he is.”

[elrielsgarden]

The 3 things I hate the most about GA & EL arguments:

Nesta didn't change Elain's anatomy to bear Illyrian babies, so she and Azriel can't be together. Also, Gwyn has pliable bones, so clearly she can bear Illyrian babies, which means she and Azriel are endgame.

I'm sorry, WHAT? There are so many things wrong with this. First, you just reduced not only Elain, but your favorite character as well, to nothing more than her childbearing abilities. What is this, the fifteen hundreds? Second, we don't actually know if Nesta changed Elain's anatomy or not; she said "so none of us have to go through this again," only mentioning herself. That does not exclude Elain. Third, Gwyn having pliable bones has absolutely nothing to do with her childbearing abilities; she doesn't have Illyrian anatomy, so she, too, should actually be unable to do that. Fourth, you don't have to be able to have biological kids to be in a relationship with someone; that invalidates the realties of so many real people in the real world. Let's not even go there.

Azriel's feelings toward Elain are only lustful, and he will actually be in love with Gwyn.

So, assuming that's actually who Azriel is, you want your favorite character to end up with a f***boy? That sounds like a great storyline. Actually, that is the exact opposite of Azriel's character, and one of the reasons we love him so much. He feels so much more than lust for Elain; all you have to do is look at the countless moments between the two of them since they met in ACOMAF.

Lucien has suffered enough; he should be happy, so he should be with his mate, Elain.

Actually, Elain said she wasn't interested in Lucien. She doesn't want him. That should immediately be enough to eliminate the possibility of a relationship between Elain and Azriel. Ignoring Elain's decision in favor of a male's supposed wants/needs shouldn't even be considered here. Additionally, Lucien seems to be developing a relationship with Vassa, so let's look at what's actually on the page before jumping to conclusions here. Azriel says to Rhys that Lucien will never be good enough for Elain, and, honestly, that's true. Lucien is not the perfect, ideal male so many make him out to be.

As an Elriel, I can say with confidence that I read the series and saw Elain. Not who people pretend she is, not who people want her to be. Just her. And what that told me was this: she is beautiful, strong, gentle, kind, and loving; she deserves to make her own choices, particularly when it comes to love, and in canon text, that choice is Azriel. She chooses him, and he chooses her. Nothing more needs to be said.

[lovemyromance]

No bc if ALL SJM was doing with Elriel was setting them up to be the charred ruined ashes from which the Elucien & Gwynriel ships set sail....

Why even include Elriel at ALL?

Sorry - correction - why ONLY include Elriel moments from ACOWAR - ACOSF? And no moments with Elucien? No mention even of Gwyn or Gwynriel?

Feysand had setup and chemistry with each other in ACOTAR. Nessian had setup and chemistry as early as ACOMAF, 3 whole books before we got their story.

But you're telling me, on the eve of an Elucien or Gwynriel book, we have had ZERO displays of their chemistry and setup together?

This is not a standalone series. It's a continuation - a spinoff from Feyre's story. There is no reason why there should be ZERO build up between these alleged couples in a spinoff. That's the exact OPPOSITE of what authors do for spinoffs and sequels.

Elriel is not "build up for Elucien". It can't be - if there's no Elucien in sight. Now, if SJM had written Elriel - but ALSO had Elain & Lucien interact and be in each others orbit over the past 3 books - then I would be more open to considering this argument.

But alas / every plot point Elucien should've had to set them up (rescue scene, power discovery scene, giving Elain an almighty weapon scene, potatoes scene, bonus chapter scene) -> all that has been given to Elain & Azriel.

If SJM planned on EL/GA - all Elain & Azriel would've hypothetically shared is an off page hookup. But that's not what we got. We got scenes where they start to understand and care about each other. We get scenes where they show their subtle attraction (and eventually - right in your face attraction) to each other.

If SJM wanted to make Elain & Azriel a bump in each others roads to HEA -> she would've written them the same way Nesta fucked some nameless fae in the first chapter of ACOSF.

Vaguely. Barely a paragraph. ONE mention.

You don't painstakingly set up quiet moments with them in the background of Feyre or Nesta's book. In fact - you don't even bother with setting up any interactions between them until this supposed Elucien/Gwynriel book.

There is simply no reason to waste words like that. SJM has already said the spinoff is dual POV, one couple.

This is not throne of glass where Aelin went through 2 men in 3 books just to end up with someone new. This is not CC, where Ruhn went through Hypaxia to end up with Lydia. Those were multi-POV, and relationships were developed across multiple books.

And all this is just based on the logic of how Elriel has so many interactions together - let alone the actual quality and significance of the actual scenes. Their stories have been woven together since ACOWAR.

SJM compared Elain's potato steam to Azriel's shadows for fucks sake. Think about how y'all would react if Elain baked a caramel tart that was described as "the same golden hue as Lucien's eyes". Think about how y'all would react if Gwyn gave Azriel a book on how to sing better idk - a gift that made him laugh so hard his eyes brightened / a gift that he stared at for a YEAR

Y'all would go nuts, don't even act otherwise.

The mating bond between Elain & Lucien is the obstacle here. Not Elain & Azriel's blooming relationship.

[valkyriestan]

The fact that e|riels seem to not even acknowledge that gwynriel could be a thing simply astounds me. They keep trying to ignore the BC which is the first time we even get into Az’d head. Okay let’s say Elriel is endgame so what is the point of gwyn even being given that sort of page time in Az’s bonus chapter? Even without gwyn if SJM wanted to explore elriel there is enough conflict and angst that is already set up. We have elain being mated to lucien, the fact that Rhys basically forbades it (their oh so forbidden love trope which would all be over minute Elain makes her choice and rejects her mate and of course lucien will never force her to be with him) but even then there is enough angst and conflict built up for elriel with having to deal with the rejection or what az might feel about Elain being mated to another and the political ramifications of it all and also the fact that az and mor thing is still unresolved, so with all of this why would gwyn get page time in his bc if she is just a red herring? Don’t we already have unresolved issues with lucien and mor? Okay let’s say it is all just friendly (which reading the text doesn’t give that vibe whatsoever) what do gwyn or Azriel contribute to each other’s story (as friends?). She started her healing journey with her valkyries, he calls her hardly a friend (which Elriels like to be loud about) and Azriel has so many other ppl he is close to and if Sarah went down the elriel route then they’ll heal together, so what do they even bring to each other’s story to warrant page time in az’s pov. They have a brief history sure but why would a friendship angle even be set for them? As elriels like to say gwyn is just a side character and that’s it. Okay let’s say she is an evil light singer - there are so many things wrong with this theory. First off the fact that nesta finds her healing through her friendship with the valkyries, gwyn is literally an SA survivor who has gone through shit, Sarah loves valkyries and she was inspired through her own friendship, the fact that she has literally said any character associated with music can’t be evil because she loves music and the biggest WHY WOULD WE EVEN NEED AN EVIL LIGHTSINGER when you literally have other strong villains? Why would elriel even need an evil light singer for plot when they literally have so much conflict and other villains to fight already? Why would Sarah highlight gwynriels reactions to each other in ACOSF? Why do his shadows behave differently around her? If she is just a side character why is there so much to know about her? Her heritage, her powers etc? What would she bring to az’s story if she is not a villain or an unnecessary red herring unless she is his love interest of course and currently he is still pining (if you could call it that) for Elain so unless she is his end game there is no point to link gwyn with Azriel (which Sarah has no matter how much you deny it). That page time could have been easily given to mor (with things that are still unresolved between them) or emerie - who might be connected to the Illyrian plot instead of gwyn. Sarah is literally setting gwyn up for her own story with az the same way she has set up lucien with all his plots and we will get his story with Elain. Like if rejection is what she wanted to explore why Lucien (when he already lost someone who thought was his mate?)? Why has she not even explored the mating bond yet? He is literally a good guy so why should a well written MMC be rejected when they haven’t even explored the bond, he literally has done no wrong to Elain, as much as there has been buildup for Elriel there has been buildup for elucien as well. Both Elain and lucien have their own story arcs and for Elain to reject without any actual explanation as to why or without exploring the bond would just be bad writing and super disappointing. (Not to mention the fact that there have been subtle moments where we have seen Elain and lucien care about the other).

[elainsgirl]

Hey! Just wanted to say I love seing a strong Elain supporter on this app!

And to make a quick comment on what makes me giggle about the over blown fascination with Gwyn's character that I noticed. I see the same argument that Elain is 'boring' and Gwyn is a 'warrior'. Even while reading fanfiction I see the same pattern. Elain is usually portrayed in rather canon fashion. Demure, gardening, trying to help, getting spying lessons from Az and twins. Helping her family through non warrior strenght. You can actually see it playing out like that since its close to the canon material.

Yet Gwyn is always 'the warrior'. The savior, hero of Prythian, leader of Valkyrie. With a sword healding hand protects the world and the man she loves! And I always smile at this, cause it just proves how majority of tiktok fandom has created their own fictional version of Gwyn. Cause in the canon material we never saw her be a warrior.

They say Elain did nothing, but neither did Gwyn truly. All she did was cut a ribbon and manipulated a beast (which again begs the question - lightsinger?). But apart from that, she really wasn't written in a warrior way. According to the book she didn't even finish the rite technically. Book Gwyn is rather gentle and shy, trying to rebuilt herself from the traumatic events in her life. She's afraid of everything and if they wanted to pick a mate for Az they should have picked Emerie. She carried Gwyn up the mountain. She's an illyrian, and having an illyrian love interest for Az who hates him illyrian side would have been awesome. But no. They pretty much picked a red-haired Elain.

Awe, Thank you 💕

Elain has always and will always be my No.1 girl,

Gwyn is a sweet character. She has the perfect, likeable traits. Flawless. Little depth or complexity. Besties with Nesta. Perfect at everything. Badass. Etc etc. She has enough background to give you the general gist of who she is but not enough that her stans can’t self-insert or shape her to be the way they want which is evident in their fanfics, theories and Hcs. Fanon Gwyn and Canon Gwyn are two completely different characters, canon Gwyn is not that popular. Fanom Gwyn that Gwynriels have built up is. Thats why Gwyn is so popular, she is the ideal fmc gwynriels want whereas “boring” Elain isn’t. Lmfao, even eluciens change Elains personality to be more extroverted and fit Lucien better instead of adhering by Elains canon traits, are we suprised? No. Canon and antis do not mix well.

The hilarious thing is - People did ship Az and Emerie bcs of the reasons you listed. But then Emerie turned out to be possibly gay so anti elriels had to find another character to ship Az with God forbid he ends up with the woman he actually wants. In comes Gwyn and Ta da! You have her being shipped w gwynrieo despite neither showing any romantic interest in each other. The whole gwynriel ship is based on fanon which cool. Thats good for them but you can quite literally do that w any characters.

If Mass wanted Az to end up with a badass, bubbly warrior she would have had Mor and Az end up together. Instead of bringing in a whole new Li for Az so late into a series that too in a standalone book. There is 0 difference between Moriels dynamic and Gwynriels. Same ship, different font. Yet Mass broke up Moriel and chose to develop Az and Elain romantically and plotwise. Why? Bcs she wants the two beautiful, quiet introverts to end up together.

[readychilledwine]

The Extra Mile

Summary - Rhysand has never failed to surprise you for your birthday, and he's not going to start now.

A/N - enjoy this drabble before the big bang tomorrow 💜 baby daddy and I are spending the day together and giving into ALL of my cravings today 🥹🥹🥹 ps peep the inspiration dress at the end of the drabble. I DROOLED.

You stretched, feeling over to your mate's side of the bed and pouting when you felt it was empty. You were used to him having to leave early in the mornings, but typically he woke you up for a quick kiss goodbye or a fast round of morning sex before slipping out from the covers and taking care of his duties.

But today was special, and he normally didn't do anything besides worship you on your birthday. You sighed, chalking it up to this being the first year you two could celebrate since he left for the mountain, since Feyre had been made, and the war with Hybern, maybe between all of that, he had forgotten.

You sat up, wrapping the satin sheets around your body and went to walk to the closet, only for a tendril of darkness to grab your wrist and pull you to the bathroom instead. "Did your master send you?" It seemed to nod, gently guiding you to a warm bubble bath. A bottle of wine sat near the edge, waiting for you to pop the cork along with a tray filled with grapes, cheeses, and a note in Rhysand's graceful scrollwork.

You smiled as the darkness swirled your naked body before disappearing with an almost kiss-like feeling on your cheek and temple. You leaned against the wall of the tub, opening the letter. You looked over to the side where the dress he mentioned in it was hanging. It was, of course, a beautiful piece made by his mother. It was, shockingly, a deep crimson red velvet gown with long sleeves, it had a rounded neckline and you could see what appeared to be chains and gems adorning what appeared to be an open back.

You heard the door open and another wine glass appeared. "Well, hello y/n darling." You smiled to Rhys, leaning your head against the tub and instantly moved so he could join you. "How was training?"

He sighed, stripping himself of his leather bottoms in an almost slow teasing manner. "Gwyn disarmed Azriel, Nesta beat Cassian in a hand on hand spar, Emerie let me teach her a new archery tip and trick to help her with drawback and aim. I'm very proud of them." You smiled at his sparkling eyes. "Emerie especially. You should be very proud of her."

"I am every day. Thank you for bringing her here." He nodded, getting in behind you and pulling you into his arms. "What's the plan for today?"

Rhysand poured you both a glass of wine, handing you yours and taking his. "Well, since this is the first year your birthday has been calm in years, I thought maybe we should enjoy a day shopping in Winter." He smirked behind his hand as you seemed to almost begin to glow in anticipation. "Then we will have dinner with Kal and Viv, because your sister asked if I would share you this year." The water began to splash lightly as your shoulders danced. "Then," he drawled out, "Kal has kindly volunteered to let us enjoy the weekend in your family's cabin, just us. No work. No worries. Perhaps, no clothing."

That was the final queue, you quickly turned yourself in his arms, hugging him tightly. "Does that sound good, darling? I know it isn't an extravagant party like Beron forces Lady Autumn to endure."

You nodded, eyes watering slightly, "It's perfect, Rhys. Just absolutely perfectly."

Isn't. This. Stunning?

[fawnandshadows]

I Love You, I'm Sorry

I Miss You, I’m Sorry

Word Count: 30k

Warnings: Language, Mental Health Issues

AO3

Two Augusts ago I told the truth, oh, but you didn't like it, you went home

You're in your Benz, I'm by the gate, Now you go alone

“So,” Azriel’s voice crackled over the phone. “You’re staying with Feyre and Rhysand?” 

Elain was surprised he’d answered her call. For the last two weeks she had tried to call him a handful of times and just sat there while it rang against her ear. It wasn’t until she was nestled on her new bed in Feyre’s house that he answered. She wondered if he knew. 

“Yeah, I just wanted to let you know,” Elain said, leaning against the fortress of pillows on her plush bed. Feyre must have had a ball decorating the entire house, the room she was staying in was a luxurious sea green with gold accents. “I’m trying to work on the whole communication thing. A bit.” She forcefully clenched her teeth to stifle her ramblings. 

“A bit?” Azriel asked, sounding slightly more in focus than before. 

“Yeah,” Elain said, her fingers toying with the tassels on her comforter. Even though June was just around the corner it was cold enough that Elain sought to huddle under the massive, fluffy blanket on her bed. It was only her second night there, but she and the bed got along nicely. She might only be in it for a short time, but it was a nice love affair. “Some things don’t need to be said.” 

Heavy, uncomfortable silence fell between them. Her foot firmly in her mouth. 

“Just that—”

“It’s fine, Elain,” He cut her off in a clipped voice. “Somethings are better left unsaid,” Was he talking about her? Spiders crawled under her skin at the thought, her one moment of honesty in the last five years had caused so much messy turmoil. “For the sake of communication,” Her breath caught in her throat. “You should know Feyre is planning a surprise party tomorrow.” 

Elain groaned, slinking down in her bead. Her hair tangling against the pillow as she sunk below the line of her comforter. 

“Define party?” Elain asked, the knowledge biting at the back of her head that Azriel had known she was moving before she had told him. She wondered how long — how many calls did he ignore knowing he couldn’t avoid her forever? Would he have answered any of them if she hadn’t moved back? 

“Pizza,” He said neutrally and Elain could hear him moving over the receiver. A fridge opening? “Nesta and Cassian. Rhysand and Feyre,” She heard glass shifting and the rustling of plastic. “And me.” Two weeks ago that sentence would have ended with And me and Gwyn, but two weeks ago they wouldn’t have been having this conversation at all. 

“That’s it?” Elain asked, scrunching her face as little flickers of hope fluttered in her chest. It shouldn’t be too awkward. If they could keep Nesta and Azriel away from each other…The break up between Azriel and Gwyn had not been pretty, Elain heard. She was sitting on the floor of her bedroom packing when Feyre called her, she answered, unknowing that Feyre was calling her to give her a play-by-play of the mess she had caused. Azriel had called it off a week after the long weekend in the cabin and Gwyn (understandably) had asked for a reason and Azriel couldn’t give one — he had tried to claim cold feet, but she offered to postpone. He tried to say he just ‘wasn’t the marrying kind’ but she insisted that after three years together how could marriage be any different? She asked if there was someone else and he firmly said no, but apparently she didn’t believe him. He didn’t so much as hesitate, but Gwyn swore there was no other reason for him to want to call off the wedding, unless he didn’t love her. Azriel’s silence had prompted her to throw a vase at his head, he dodge and it shattered across the wall. Gwyn had packed her bag and left that night to stay with Nesta. Nesta had called Feyre the next day, asking if Azriel had talked to her or Rhysand. Feyre had called Elain later that day. 

“That’s it,” Azriel said, shutting the door and Elain heard the pressure release of a popped bottle cap. Beer, probably. “I wasn’t going to go, but you know how Feyre is.” Impossible to say no to. 

Elain tossed the words over in her mouth before saying, “Was it me or Nesta you didn’t want to see?” 

His sighed rankled her spine. Like steam slowly being released from his body. 

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” Elain said quickly, trying to save him from answering because in all honestly the answer was probably both of them. 

“You and I,” Azriel spoke like it pained him, his voice a tension laced coil. “We aren’t together, Elain. I need you to know that.” 

An elephant stepped on her chest. 

“I know.” she said in a meek voice. It was startlingly clear that they weren’t together, especially since that night her memories have been screaming at her from when they were together. Even more vividly than the ones that haunted her every waking moment and followed her around the city. 

He paused for a moment and Elain wondered if he could hear her heartbeat. 

“We should talk,” He said evenly and Elain could feel him pulling away from her, what little he had deemed to give her slipped out of her fingers. “In person. Once you get settled.” He wasn’t in a rush, she realized, to have a conversation with her. Not that it was surprising, but she had hoped…she wasn’t sure what she had hoped. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Elain rushed out. The fragility of their conversation wasn’t lost on her. It felt like she was balancing on a pin while juggling and doing an astoundingly horrific job at it. “When-um-whenever you’re free.” 

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Azriel said and clicked off the phone before Elain could say goodbye. Her phone almost slid from between her fingers, but she caught it before it knocked into her nose. She…didn’t know how she felt about the call. Despite her best efforts, a wiggling of joy (or something as equally unfamiliar) wormed inside of her. 

Delicate. Everything was delicate.  She sank further into the bed, replaying the conversation with Azriel on a loop. His voice was so real she swore he was beside her. It was friendly, almost, if she squinted. Friendlier than any other conversation they’d had in the last five years and maybe…maybe…maybe…something good was around the corner.

Read The Full Story On AO3

[acourtofthought]

Following the Elain Archeron tag is painful. I love Elain and her character yet somehow when I want to see Elain content I'm constantly bombarded with the most insane takes.

Currently the tag consists of a post that claims Az and Gwyn can't end up together because Feyre hasn't met Gwyn.

............................................take your time to soak that one in.

It doesn't matter that Nesta (and Az) who took lead in the crossover (with Feyre nowhere to be found) is best friends with Gwyn.

It doesn't matter that Azriel himself knows Gwyn to the point that she now receives his looks of amusement and admiration.

It doesn't matter that Rhysand knows Gwyn.

But if Feyre hasn't met her yet? NOPE! She can never, ever meet her therefore she cannot have a relationship with Az. It's not like he or Nesta could introduce her to Feyre, can you imagine the insanity that would ensue?!

Because every character in this series MUST have a love interest who also knows Feyre regardless of the original characters well developed connection to her. Which means we're pulling from a very small pool here, lending the series to having a very incestuous vibe. Clearly Vassa is pre-approved for Lucien because she and Feyre met maaaaaybe twice? And Helion can resume his romance with the LoA because she once thanked Feyre for sparing Lucien's life and Feyre later burned her arm with her magic?

If Feyre hasn't already given her match making advice about a particular pairing then there's no hope. She is forever connected to the happiness of all future characters simply because it is necessary that she have an opinion on who they should be with.

I mean it's not as if Feyre was busy being pregnant and told to give Nesta space during her time at the HOW which is why she didn't meet Gwyn. Clearly, she should have shown up despite Cassian's insistence that the sisters keep their distance just so Sarah could write a scene where she and Gwyn become acquainted so she could become a realistic future love interest for Az. Or stepped away after almost dying so she could welcome the house guests drinking tea in her sitting room.

I guess that means the only people Mor can end up with is Vassa, one of the wraith twins or Ressina since Feyre hasn't met Emerie either.

[elrielffs]

I wanted to touch on the BC (yes, AGAIN, for the millionth time) because...

The Azriel PoV BC is treated special, like it matters more than any other BC that SJM has ever done and here's the thing...it doesn't.

The BC's are canon, that is a fact. They aren't deleted scenes or things that SJM didn't intend. They are just as they are stated. Bonus Chapter/Content.

Now, as a bonus that inherently means it's a cherry on top of the story. A fun little extra. It can forshadow, show character intentions in a deeper light, be fun, be smutty, have conflict but at the end of the day it is not important to the story and it is not needed. Even the BC where two characters get married--it is not needed. We know the couple are together and have already gone thru their journey. We never saw Feyre and Rhysand's mating ceremony--again something that we didn't need but would have been nice to have.

A lot of people have put much stock into the Azriel BC because of shipping wars, some even saying it should be in the book proper because how will the story continue without people knowing what happened?

But...that's just it. If this chapter was as important as people like to say it is--surely it would have at least been more widespread?? Included in all standard editions of ACOSF?? Instead it was released in two countries, in the US and Brazil, in copies only from one store.

You can't even get it anymore unless it's secondhand.

So many people in fandom don't even know this BC exists.

Now, to the contents of the BC proper.

I fully believe this BC was intended to cement Elain and Azriel's feelings and showcase that Gwyn has more going on power wise than first shown.

And guess what? We don't need that as readers.

We don't NEED a scene between Azriel and Elain because we know that the feelings are there due to the past books. (There are so many post detailing the Elain and Az scenes and people have eyeballs and supposedly read the books other than ACOSF.)

We know Gwyn has more going on power wise that has not been revealed. Her interactions with Nesta in ACOSF and Nesta herself describing Gwyn having something under the surface and the secret of Gwyn's parentage. Azriel's reactions to Gwyn are similiar to Nesta's. Even in the bc itself is a callback to Azriel's interaction with Elain--a thing of secret lovely beauty is used in BOTH scenes (which people conveniently forget).

It's was all laid out in ACOSF. We do not need this BC.

The BC takes place in the middle of the book--roughly. And nothing changes. Gwyn and Azriel's relationship to each other doesn't deepen, Azriel is still pining after Elain. Is the chapter still canon? Yes, but it is not integral to the story.

The only thing I can think of that might be important is Rhysand's conversation with Azriel but even that could be explained in a sentence or two or rehashed into a new scene which SJM could easily do if she felt like it.

I just don't think SJM intended the BC to blow up as it did. People can think differently, sure and I could be wrong but with it's limited availability and the fact that it was not included in the book proper and the story moves on without it---I just don't see how it's important as it's made out to be.

Edit to add: Yes the BC is available online but people would have to know it exists first to know to look for it and it’s only online due to fans. Neither Bloomsbury or SJM have published the BC online or pointed to it for understanding the next book.

[sjmgirlie]

“I see so much potential for Lucien and Elain”

Where?

There has not been a single scene in 2 novels and 1 novella since we found out they were mates that alludes to any potential at all?

They haven’t even had one conversation where Feyre isn’t there carrying it? He lives on the other side of Prythian? Can't stand to be around her? She wants to leave the room each time he's there? Specifically sits away from him? Like where is the potential other than some sort of imagery (which I'll get to)? It ain't there.

“I can’t imagine a single conversation happening between Elain and Azriel”

Really?

They had one the first day they met. Talking about flying.

Not to mention on Solstice they stayed up to talk to each other when everyone else went to bed.

How do we know they didn’t talk when they were in the garden together?

“Azriel just stifles Elain. She’s just a damsel in distress”

You sure?

He literally gave her the knife he had literally never let anyone touch in 500 years to protect herself? Cassian didn’t want Nesta finding the troves either? Are we trying to say that a man who wants to protect a women is suddenly.. unattractive? Like idk about you, but I would love for a bat boy to save me lol. Or tell me not to do something for my safety. But okay.

“It’s just lust”

Let’s not even go there because a male willing to participate in a blood duel and renouncing his own religion is not just trying to have sex

“Lucien is the son of Helion and Elain needs sun!”

Ya?

Well Lucien has never had sun imagery. It’s fire from his Autumn Court heritage and in Hybern he released himself with SPELLS. Feyre was actually the person to cast out a bright light to break the wards, and we find out later that it’s a gift from the Dawn court. Lucien tells us this. Lucien has fire magic and is a spell cleaver, not the sun. ELAIN is the sun. Day court does not equal sun for Lucien. Sorry.

“Elain will never accept Azriel’s profession”

Oh?

Pretty sure she’s already accepted everyone in the Night Court. They all have jobs that are borderline sus. And considering the countless instances where we see Elain is actually very observant, I’m sure she knows what he does, yet she still leans into his touch. Not to mention Mr. fashion police Cassian also tells us that Elain is not a loyal dog. That she saw everything Nesta did and understood. Doesn't seem like she's not accepting to me.

"Azriel just wants a mate!!"

Seriously?

If the male wants a mate why would he bother spending time with a female he knows has one? Why wouldn't he be sailing around Prythian looking for her? Because she sure as shit isn't in the Night Court. And let's be honest, I don't think he will even be getting a mate if it's not Elain through some sort of different bond. Because there is no one in canon right now that could be his mate, and we only have 2 more novels and 1 novella left. And his book is next. Apparently we can all agree on that, but can't accept Elain is also getting the next book, aka their book together. And no, Gwyn is not his mate, because it would have already snapped into place. We had an 800 page book where they were in the vicinity of each other through all the training monologues (so maybe more 400 pages) and it didn't happen? Rhys knew before they left under the mountain. Literally happened at the end of the book. Cassian knew the first day he met Nesta. Lucien knew the second Elain took her first breath lol... it's not happening.

"Elain should be with Lucien and they would be High Lord and Lady of Day Court!!"

Ew?

You want to kill off Helion??? I want the novella to be about him and the Lady of Autumn tbh (even though it's likely Mor). Like? No, I need some sort of scene with Helion in each remaining book. I need more of him, biblically and spiritually. Also, have we forgotten “You can not resent my decision to lead a small quiet life..” ??? Elain said this in ACOSF to Nesta, like, do you think this girl wants to be High Lady all of a sudden? No. She doesn't.

"Elain needs to give Lucien a chance!!"

Why?

I swear everyone who says this has never been in that "Oh, well he's just such a nice guy!! Give him a chance" type of situation. Like why should I? WHY SHOULD SHE? He literally was an accomplice in her human life being stripped away from her. Should they end up being friends? Yes. Together romantically? No. If she doesn't want to give him a chance, which she clearly doesn't, then she doesn't need to. Stop diminishing choice in character arcs. Her whole arc, with Azriel and Lucien, is centred around choice in the first place.

"Azriel's shadows danced for Gwyn, so they are endgame"

Huh?

Don't get me wrong, the shadows are a part of Azriel, but I don't think they literally determine his life for him. Actually, I know this 100%. His shadows are under his command. Also, they danced for her breath, not Gwyn. Which is weird. Not to mention his shadows alert him in times of trouble and to gain information. Is it not weird they didn't alert him that she was there? Like that's not being wing-shadowy, that's screaming something sus is going on. (And no, I'm not anti-gwyn or even saying she's evil. Is she a lightsinger? Probably. The evidence is there. Does it mean she's bad? No.)

"Azriel's shadows hide from Elain, so they can't be together"

Lol?

Again, are Azriel's shadows the ones that command him? Or does he command them? And his shadows have disappeared for half of the IC. They disappear when there is no threat. They disappear when he doesn't want them there. Pretty sure Azriel's whole character doesn't just revolve around shadows. Sure, they are a huge part of his identity so far, but do we truly think that he wants to be reduced to them? Doubt it. He's probably had a very hard time coming to terms with the fact people have always looked at him differently because of it. I wouldn't be surprised if him becoming a Shadowsinger (since they came to him later in life in the dungeon) was a result of unfathomable trauma. Azriel does not only equal shadows only. We just don't know him yet.

"The BC sunk Eriel"

Truly?

You mean the bonus chapter where Azriel was about to get on his knees for a taste? The bonus chapter where Elain was giving him offer and permission? The bonus chapter where Rhys was the reason they DIDN'T actually kiss? The bonus chapter where Rhys became their obstacle and lifted the stakes not only on a personal level (with Elain thinking she was rejected, with Az and Rhys having a wedge between them) and politically (the potential downfall with god knows how many courts since Lucien is a drifter and the human lands)? Like we need the stakes!!!! This is what makes it worthwhile to read?? Forbidden romance? That should be enough intrigue. Plus anyone who genuinely thinks an author would write a male character willing to drop to his knees for a female (we've seen this with both Rhys and Cassian btw) only to have him move on in the next book is just idk. It's not possible. It would be so UNROMANTIC for them not to end up together. Like I would never forget Azriel wanted Elain's coochie so bad only to end up with someone else??? Ya, that's not romantic.

"Elain and Tamlin would be perfect mates"

Throws Up

So Elain is going to go to the only court where there is no gardening because the HL magic keeps everything in eternal bloom, only to shack up with her sister's ex who that same sister almost married and her mates ex best friend? Make it make sense. You're truly showing your hatred for stereotypical feminine qualities my friend. Tamlin needs some time to lick his wombs and maybe learn how to cook. He needs to stop isolating himself. And again, Elain is not his mate. Also, let's just add Elain is not ever leaving the Night Court. The series is about the Archeron sisters, and her sister is the literal High Lady of NC, not to mention her other sister is mated to the Illyrian General. Like be for real right now.

The End. 🌹🗡❤️🦇

[oristian]

Why do you not ship Elriel? I just love all of their little moments

For a variety of reasons. I want to first begin by saying that, if I believed without a doubt that Elain and Azriel were endgame, I would still ship my ships, but I would always emphasize that I know my ships are not endgame. I have always been that way—I follow the direction that the media is going. If the books cemented an Elriel endgame, I would not create as much content as I have; I would not have even joined the fandom.

I always say that how I read the books was the backbone of why I ship Elucien and Gwynriel so heavily. I read all five books within a span of a little over a week, back-to-back. I did not have years in-between reading them, so all of my opinions and theories were answered in a timely manner. I do think that the festering in the fandom and the years stretch between the source material is what drives so much tension—there is not anything new, so people create their own material. It is almost like a crush; the longer you sit with it, the more drawn out it becomes.

As for Elain and Azriel, I just never felt anything when reading their scenes. There was no connection, no chemistry, no tension, et cetera. It was easy to forget their scenes as they read so platonic. Especially in ACOMAF. In ACOWAR, I never picked up on anything romantic happening between them, but I did notice scenes between them. The one scene I did find to be touching was the Truth Teller scene, but I was so focused on Nesta and Cassian that nothing else really stood out to me. I could easily see what the author was doing and it was very similar to Twilight. Everyone knew that Bella and Edward were endgame, but New Moon came around and gave the readers Bella and Jacob, just to test the waters. However, it was obvious that nothing more would happen between them and we would just have to wait for Edward to return. Very similar to what happened in ACOWAR. Lucien was removed and Elain had scenes with Azriel, but we all know she will end up with Lucien. It’s just how books work.

When I read ACOSF, I did not realize that more books were coming, nor that this began a spin-off. I was under the impression that that was the final book in the series. I was still rooting for Elain and Lucien and just assumed they’d get together in the background. When Azriel and Gwyn started interacting, I believed that they would be a background couple that got together at the end of the book. It was just so obvious. I ended up joining the fandom about four months later and found out about the bonus chapter and felt sick reading the first half, seeing how Azriel thought of himself and how just wrong he and Elain were, only to see the juxtaposition of the second half with him and Gwyn and how calm he became. That further cemented to me that Gwyn and Azriel were happening.

There is no harm in shipping whatever you want to ship. I still ship noncanon couples; everyone does. I think what further drives me away from Elain and Azriel is the fanon mischaracterization of both of their personalities and how the scenes between them are given so much agency in fandom when … it does not exist in the books. (Plus, the NSFW-ization of certain scenes that should not be romanticized) I think fanon Elriel is much more interesting than canon Elriel and I have found myself really liking some fanart and such of them—I could ship fanon Elriel just fine because it’s interesting. If that was what was in the books, I would struggle to ship my ships.

Sorry, this was so long aha!

[nyxreads]

"Azriel's shadow dance around Gwyn's breath = ENDGAME"

I'm quite tired of this, it's been three years now. Do people understand that Azriel is not his shadows? Azriel's shadows caress Feyre's cheek and neck the first time they met, was it romantic? Because it's more intimate than the shadows dancing around Gwyn's breath.

The more important matter is how AZRIEL reacts towards Elain rather than how his shadows (which, I might note, made sure Elain got back safely after their interaction thinking Az rejected her. Shadows that coiled like snake, ready to defend Elain, because Nesta insulted her. Shadows that helped Az presenting the gift for Elain.) acts towards Elain.

And how does Azriel act around Elain?

Azriel doesn't need his shadows to read Elain, meaning he can read her. He understand her. (In CC, we found that shadows disappears when the person is happy and comfortable, plus even Az's shadows skitters away from him when he laughs)

Azriel waited for Elain to give her offer and permission.

Azriel knew Elain doesn't want Lucien and is very uncomfortable around his mate.

Azriel sat down with her during the longest night of the year, just talking.

Azriel was relaxed around Elain while she's presenting him her plans for the garden

Azriel was ready to risk his own life to save Elain.

It was Azriel who figured out she was missing, Azriel who figured out her powers and freed her from all the confusion she was experiencing

Azriel never let go of Elain even though she's alright and he was the one bleeding, he needed to be sure she'd be taken care of first

Azriel always reaches out for Elain.

Azriel bought her a present, bought the necklace thinking of ELAIN, and doesn't care if the necklace was given to another priestess as long as he get rid of it because it reminds him of pain

Azriel lend the TT (the one thing he never let anyone touches) to Elain, trusting her with it and wanting her to have a protection

Azriel followed Elain's laugh, wondering what had caused it.

Azriel was affected by Elain and Lucien's mating bond to the point where he cannot even stand in the same room with them together

Azriel wants Elain. Not just because of lust, but because maybe, after 500 years he already found his home.

Idk about you, but if I ever read Rhysand or Cassian wanting to taste another woman before ending up with their mate? Think about it.

If the only argument is about the shadows, then maybe ship the shadows and Gwyn? not Azriel and Gwyn? Since most people are convinced crackship=OTP, why not we make the real OTP, #ShadoWyn? Because Azriel, on the only POV we got so far from him, wasn't interested romantically to Gwyn. No, he never even considered her as a friend. Gwyn never even showed she's attracted to him, she blushed for Rhysand not for Az.

If these readers aren't even concerned about Elain's feelings and hated her so much, then I guess, they should just consider Azriel's wants and needs? Because it is Elain. He found his happiness with her. Feyre even pointed out that he never heard such a deep and joyous sound from him until Elain.

There's no need to deny every Elain and Azriel interaction throughout the series over the last 10% of a bonus chapter. It makes one think most people never read the actual books but place so much value over a chapter that wasn't available for everyone.

The POV ended up with a cliffhanger. But it never ended Elriel because it was all just a beginning, their book is yet to come and by then I hope everyone is ready to accept what SJM has been hinting us from ACOMAF until ACOSF. No need to twist texts or take every parallel that are out of context, no need to call Elriels crazy and throw out degrees. Just simply read the series with open mind, and maybe tone down the Elain hate? Okay bye.