#nesta is a gwynriel supporter

[gwyn-nesta-emerie]

Nesta is a Gwynriel supporter

I find it interesting the colors Nesta picked out for Gwyn's bracelet in Chapter 59:

Nesta refrained from snickering and selected colors for Gwyn: blue, white, and teal.

The teal for Gwyn's eye color. The white for possibly Gwyn's powers of glowing when she sings. The blue for the Invoking Stone (which is somewhat similar to the Illyrians Siphons) or maybe Nesta picked that color for Azriel given he has BLUE siphons....

And then we have this scene in Chapter 60 in which it solidified my thinking in that Nesta is a Gwyn and Azriel supporter:

Gwyn threw Azriel a withering stare as she strode past him. “See you tomorrow, Shadowsinger,” she tossed over a shoulder. Az stared after her, brows high with amusement.

When he turned back, Nesta grinned. “You have no idea what you just started,” she said. Az angled his head, hazel eyes narrowing as Gwyn reached the archway.

“Remember how Gwyn was with the ribbon?” Nesta winked and clapped the shadowsinger on the shoulder. “You’re the new ribbon, Az.”

[azrielsbxtch]

Lucien is not beating Azriel in a fight and I’m going down with my opinion

When Lucien becomes High Lord then he can.

Right now…No.

“Okay but Lucien has light” Not now he doesn’t. Lucien has Fire okay. He doesn’t have Helions powers yet.

And seeing how easily Az beat up Eris. Even Beron (a High Lord) powers couldn’t get through Azriel’s shadows

Also there was a magical rule preventing physical fights at the High Lords meeting and yet….

Even without powers Azriel is still beating him. There’s a reason Illyrians are the best warriors in Prythian it’s literally in their blood please-

Don’t play with my man

[positivewitch]

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[oristian]

ELUCIEN | GWYNRIEL — MAASVERSE SPOILERS

I tend to see posts and videos from a multitude of people who seem to be reluctant to accept foreshadowing in the ACOTAR books—specifically regarding the endgame couples to finish out the overall series. As this post is simply beating a dead horse down, I find that it is very much needed as a specific group of people lack the capacity to understand the books.

Foreshadowing is not meant to be obvious. There are, of course, cases where it is relatively obvious, but only within the parameters of back-to-back scenes. Foreshadowing is meant to be picked up on, but to be fully understand later on in the story when everything comes to fruition. Examples of foreshadowing include color descriptions, specific use of language, emphasis on certain scenes, emphasis surrounding specific objects, et cetera. If something happens obviously and you can read the scene as-is, it is not foreshadowing.

I see many people who ship Elriel claim that there is buildup across the entire series that foreshadows why they will be endgame. As the books do not support that claim, it is outlandish and a spread of misinformation. Allow me to disprove this theory using the books alone:

— 🌸 ACOTAR: Zero interactions between Elain and Azriel as Azriel had not been introduced as a character yet. This book highlighted Feyre surmising that Elain would thrive within the Spring Court, that her sister enjoyed typical emissary work, and instead introduced Lucien as a character.

— 🦢 ACOMAF: This is the first book where Elain and Azriel met, as is this is where many Elriels like to claim that the Elriel build-up begins. However, this book says otherwise. Elain and Azriel’s first meeting is neutral, quiet conversation to ease a tense situation as Nesta/Feyre/Cassian/Rhys were creating an uncomfortable atmosphere and Elain meant to ease it. This book highlighted how in love Azriel was with Mor and how Elain was engaged to Grayson. Many Elriels also claim that the color of Elain’s dress in this first meeting—being cobalt—is indicative of endgame between she and Azriel. However, cobalt is also the signature color of Grayson’s family crest. Their interactions die out after that first meeting and instead focus on Feysand again. The throne room scene in Hybern also showed the beginning of Elucien and their mate bond, while Azriel was on the floor reaching for Mor. (I go more into this on my Tik Tok page: @oristian)

— 🔥 ACOWAR: When Feyre returns to the Night Court after her month in Spring, she finds that Elain has been within a catatonic state for the entirety of that month and has shown no signs of recovering—that is, until Lucien came along. Elain began eating and moving around once he came and after tugging on the mating bond, her visions first started showing. themselves. Everyone likes to credit Azriel for most of this, but all that Azriel did (take her to the garden) was suggested previously by Lucien. Lucien, who was not able to be alone with her due to Nesta and Feyre. Next, everyone tends to say that Azriel “saw” Elain when he named her power. “What we need is …” Contradicts such a thing. Naming a power does not cure someone of their trauma. Lucien is also canonically the first character to take Elain’s visions seriously and went in search of Vassa, ultimately finding Papa Archeron and creating an even deeper connection into the Koschei plot arc with Elain. This is also where we get the iconic half-step on the stair scene.

Elain is now kidnapped by the cauldron portraying itself as Graysen—Elain wanting so badly to be with her previous lover. This is a scene where many Elriels claim that it is supportive of Elriel being endgame. However, it is within character for Azriel to save someone, especially people close to him. Certainly, Elain being appreciative of being saved and kissing him on the cheek is cute, but that is not enough “foreshadowing” for an endgame. Next, Azriel hands her Truth Teller after Elain refused other weapons. Elain is hesitant and only agrees to take it once Feyre chimes in that she will not have to use it. Juxtapose this with Elain immediately giving it back after the battle is over, not saying a word, and instead falling into conversation with Lucien. Lucien, who is canonically the only character to credit her for assisting with ending the King of Hybern.

— 🌨️ ACOFAS: This is the buffer book that was meant to do two things: Establish Nessian as the next couple for the following book, and establish a clear love triangle between Azriel/Elain/Lucien. Elriels use this book to drive the idea of an Elriel endgame. While this book has scenes between Elain and Azriel, there is unfortunately no foreshadowing present enough to support that claim. This novella emphasizes, from a conversation between Rhys and Feyre, that Azriel may be inclined towards Elain due to her having traits that may remind him of his mother (Freud). We also have Solstice where Lucien brings Elain a gift—a gift that fully reflects her interests—Elain brings Azriel a gift, but Azriel does not bring Elain a gift. Azriel even questioning beforehand if he has to get the sisters a gift at all. Elain’s gift being superficial and more of a joke than anything truly meaningful to them as a relationship.

— 🗡️ ACOSF: The book that ended Elriel. We have this book set up as PRE-BONUS CHAPTER | BONUS CHAPTER | POST BONUS CHAPTER. In the pre-bonus chapter, we have a few scenes between Elain and Azriel that is a glance, or a very small interaction. The infamous scene that Elriels like to use to “prove” that his shadows actually like Elain is the scene where Cassian says that Nesta upset Elain and his shadows seemed poised to strike. His shadows reacted to his anger, not to Elain. Next, the Solstice scene where Azriel refused to be within the room due to the mating bond between Elain and Lucien and Nesta seeing that he was interested in Elain—which is never brought up again, however we do get a scene post bonus chapter of Nesta encouraging Gwyn and Azriel by calling him the “new ribbon.”

The bonus chapter ended Elriel officially as endgame. The chapter is told from Azriel’s POV and documents his lustful thoughts of Elain and how he wants a mate, hurt and confused why his brothers had two of the Archeron sisters and the third was given away to another male. Rhysand even asking Azriel what his plans are after seducing Elain and Azriel having none “past the fantasies he pleasures himself to.” This is also a chapter where Elriels like to claim that Elriel is a forbidden romance. ACOWAR Rhys clearly objects to this being the case. (I have a video on my Tik Tok going over this @oristian) The bonus chapter then moves to Azriel finding Gwyn, his shadows not warning him of her presence at the HoW. His shadows are curious about her and dance with her breath. Azriel then finds out that Elain rejected his necklace—the only Solstice gift that he has gotten her, and one he expressed as “nothing extraordinary”—and the next morning finds him re-gifting such to Gwyn. Azriel can picture her eyes lighting up at the gift and he smiles—this is also where mate language is used to describe the spark in his chest at the thought of her and the glow of the thought. “A thing of secret, lovely beauty.” A line that was used twice—one to describe the necklace, and another time to describe the thought of Gwyn.

Post bonus chapter has zero interactions between Elain and Azriel. The interactions between Azriel and Gwyn are charged and witty. Energetic. This is also where we see Azriel’s siphons glowing darker at the thought of the Valkyries in the Great Rite—the first instance that this has happened.

Next, we go into the last two remaining plot arcs: Koschei and Dusk Court. Both ACOSF and HOFAS have set Nesta up as the driver for the Dusk Court arc, with Azriel as the character to follow. With SJM’s Bloomsbury contract slating her to have two more main books with dual POV romantic interests, the Dusk Court arc book would only make sense having Gwyn and Azriel as the FMC and MMC of that arc. The Koschei arc has been carefully crafted for Elain and Lucien to be the FMC and MMC of that book, with both of them being set up for this since ACOWAR. Elain with her visions of Vassa, the lake, and Koschei’s black box, and Lucien being tied to Papa Archeron and Vassa and the mortals. (I have a video on my Tik Tok that goes more in depth with this @oristian)

— SUMMARY: Elain and Azriel do not have multiple books of foreshadowing, a Gwynriel and Elucien endgame is not fanservice, and the remaining two plot arcs do not support an Elriel endgame. If you have any problems with that, take it up with SJM.

[nikethestatue]

It was obvious. Always.

You know, with every new book, the fandom is abuzz with speculations, up to its eyeballs with theories, and I think it's great, because it's very satisfying to watch something you guessed correctly come to pass.

But, for me--and I love canon and I love being able to support my claims with words from the books--nothing still beats one small, fleeting moment in an interview. One sentence. Five words.

I. Thought. It. Was. Obvious.

The confused face of SJM, when she was asked 'who is the next book about'. 'I thought it was obvious?" she answered. This interview took place shortly after the release of ACOSF.

In her mind, when things were fresh and new, she felt that she had placed enough hints and enough scenes and enough foreshadowing to lead us, the readers, to an 'obvious' conclusion. And the ONLY obvious conclusion is Elain and Azriel. Elucien could never be called 'obvious', especially not after ACOSF and Lucien "I am not always here to see my mate' Vanserra. Just as obvious, is that Gwynriel was...not obvious at all. :)

It has been obvious since then. Azriel's reactions to any threat towards Elain. Shadows coiled like snakes, ready to strike.

Do you want children?

It doesn't matter what I want.

It's like he's given up. After 500 years, he's given up (Mor).

What about Mor?

What if the Cauldron was wrong?

What happened to Elain?

You'd know, Cass. If she were dead, you'd know.

The secret that Azriel had and that Nesta understood.

The sadness. The avoidance. The torment. The anger.

The offer and permission (which, frankly, are just cherries on top, and aren't even needed to confirm the obvious).

It's always been obvious. If you wanted to see it. And no, SJM did 'not change her mind'. She had peppered the book with hints and said 'I thought it was obvious' maybe a month after the release.

There's never really been anything to debate.

The moment Feyre asked 'Why not make them mates?" you had to have known that Elucien is not going to go anywhere.

The moment Azriel uttered 'I am getting her back' you had to have known that he was going after his woman.

The moment he offered her Truth Teller, wrapped her hand over the hilt and sent her off, you had to have known that they power shared.

The moment Mor found a small box in the pile of gifts and Elain said 'oh, it's from me' you had to have known that she also had feelings for Azriel by then.

Crumb after crumb. Drip after drip. All the moments that made up Elriel and its foreshadowing over the course of four books.

There is no Gwynriel. There is no Elucien. There is only Elriel.

I thought it was obvious.

[glossamerfaerie]

I feel like a lot of people focus on Nesta’s reaction to Gwynriel’s relationship once they go public. Maybe Nesta threatens Az to keep her girl safe. Maybe she tears up with joy for her BFFs. Maybe she’s speechless because she didn’t see it coming. And so on. But no one ever talks about how Cassian will react other than the obligatory joy and merciless teasing. “Surely he’s going to take revenge for Az’s disruptive chaperoning!”

Except… I don’t think that’s quite right for Cassian. He’s watched his brother pine after their mutual friend for 500 years. He feels incredibly guilty for sleeping with Mor just because he was jealous of Az’s crush. He’s been acting as a buffer in a fucked up situation that only ended recently. He knows how desperately lonely Az is. How much Az wants to find love. How fragile Az’s heart is despite his broody spymaster exterior.

I like to imagine that Cassian finds Gwyn in the Library, asking for a private word. He’s happy for them, of course, but he asks Gwyn for a favor. Cassian explains that he will support whatever Gwyn wants in this relationship, whether it’s being with Az or breaking up if she’s unhappy. All he asks is that Gwyn be gentle with Az’s heart and devotion, especially when it comes to ending things. Just… be careful not to shatter his heart.

Everyone assumes that Az can withstand any pain or blow. But Cassian knows better. Everyone else is worried for Gwyn in this relationship, but only Cassian is worried for Azriel. 💔🥺

[glass-dagger]

Sometimes I feel out of place in the acotar fandom because I actually like all the characters…

I hate this nests vs. rhys debate. I’m tired of people hating on cassian for simply being having a relationship with both characters and never picking the “right side”. Characters are allowed to be complex. Why are y’all so black and white?

Yes, Nesta was a bitch but she was also grieving and traumatized. She needed help and now she’s trying to be better.

Yes, Rhysand was a dick but he was also trying to protect his family. He made mistakes out of fear and anger and he realized this.

Yes, Cassian is mated to Nesta but he has been best friends with Rhys for centuries and he’s his High Lord. He can defend and support Nesta but also respect and agree with Rhys without picking sides. Yes, you should support your partner first but he’s shouldn’t have to agree with everything she does or says especially if it’s wrong or disrespects someone he considers his brother.

And no, their actions shouldn’t be excused but y’all literally call them evil for doing things that are morally gray and leave no room for nuance.

And don’t even get me started on the elriel vs. elucien/gwynriel ship wars like stop harassing each other. Ship who you want and leave people alone. Why are you going out of your way to hate on people of the opposing ship? You aren’t going to convince them to switch sides, especially if you’re insulting them. Mind your business.

I love having deeper discussions about characters’ actions and stuff like that but it should never be a method to hate on other people and their opinions. And it’s fine to dislike characters but if you hate the main characters to the point that you are demonizing them then why are you here?

This is literally a book series about faeries like ITS NOT THAT FUCKING DEEP

[lovemyromance]

can I say something (s) 😬

Gwyn does not exist outside of Nesta

Gwyn & Emerie exist to be supporting characters to Nesta

Lucien and Elain have only negative, uncomfortable interactions

Elain will not become besties with Jurian. Vassa, perhaps, but definitely not Jurian

Nuala & Cerridwen are Elain's friends

Elain & Azriel are inevitable

Vassa & Lucien are inevtible

Rhys will probably be High King

Tamlin already had his redemption arc when he saved them at Hybern's camp. His story is done. ✔️

"Saving Illyria" is not going to be a plotline

Nesta's story is told, Elain is up next

Elain is not going to be a "warrior" but she will have to train her powers

Azriel & Amren will likely have something to do with her training

If there is a novella, it will be Lucien & Vassa OR some happily ever after type multi-POV thing like ACOFAS

Gwynriel does not exist in the books. Nothing about them even in the BC was romantic.

It is Elain's necklace. Even though she gave it back, it was chosen with her in mind. It is hers.

Azriel did not care who the necklace went to. He simply wanted to get rid of it.

Gwyn is likely a lightsinger / has other powers, but doubt she's evil - again, not interesting enough to actually be evil or a villain, but I she could be manipulated/controlled. She doesn't seem inherently evil

While Elain choosing Azriel/true love over a mating bond is romantic, I think because she was the cauldron's favorite, it gave her 2 mating bonds -> which is why her bond with Lucien makes Azriel sick. Why Lucien only reacts when he sees Azriel take Elain to the garden

Elain does not deserve this level of hate for doing literally nothing except save everyone's ass and be kind and stay out of drama

[infiniteetcetera]

I know there is a lot of fandom discourse around Nesta being a huge Gwynriel supporter and I’m sure she would be BUT can I just say I love the idea of her finding out about Elriel sneaking around and that Rhysand banished them from being together and then becoming their number one fan out of pure spite😩 Helping them sneak around and keep things from the rest of the IC then popping around every now and then like:

ALSO I shall never forget that Azriel is one of the first people Nesta trusted her precious sister with and I think she would LOVE the idea of having him as a brother in law (just KNOW she’d be bringing up that he’s her FAVORITE brother every five minutes in front of Rhys). Elain would also love seeing how soft and sweet Azriel and Nesta’s friendship is, I feel like that’s what she’s wanted to see from Nesta with someone else and just KEKFKKEMFND I NEED IT✨

[acourtofthought]

A guy being ready to get down on his knees to taste a girl after avoiding her for months, not bothering to be a shoulder she could lean on during her struggles with her sister, is not the flex some think it is.

Cassian would have been at Nesta's doorstep in a heartbeat if she let him, lust be damned. He wanted her but he wanted her time and attention even more.

Same with Lucien for Elain.

Az had full access to Elain's doorstep and chose to stay away. Just like he stayed away during her depression in ACOWAR, going so far as to drawing straws so he wouldn't have to stay with her.

In SF, he heard of her first fight with Nesta. Witnessed her second fight with Nesta. Heard her speak of how she still had trauma. Heard her offer to reacquaint herself with her powers and through all that he just decided... "meh, I can't handle being around her because of her bond." 😡

All he chose to offer her in SF was a charged look and if one were to read the bonus, a one night stand. Oh and a necklace....because jewelry is so much more important than quality time. 🤦

It doesn't matter that he took her to the garden after Lucien first told them to "take her to some garden" but was prevented from doing so himself because of her sisters.

It doesn't matter that he offered to get her from Hybern after Cassian first said they'd get her back but could not due to his injuries.

It doesn't matter that he offered her TT after Cassian first offered her a dagger, with Elain rejecting both until Feyre reassured her that she wouldn't have to use it.

It doesn't matter that he sat listening to Elain talk about her gardens on Solstice in ACOFAS (go Az, the first original thing you ever did for Elain!)

It especially doesn't matter that he "was the first to realize Elain was missing" after she was kidnapped by the Cauldron because he didn't. Nesta did because Nesta went running to her tent while Az just stood there (if he thought she was missing why didn't he check her tent?) Az only asked whether Elain could hear the Cauldron the way Feyre, Amren and Nesta could.

None of it matters because Azriel has not done a damn thing to support Elain in the 12 months since.

Insulting Gwynriel because there was no evidence of Az wanting to "taste her" in SF isn't the gotcha some think it is. It's called respect, the author choosing to have him get to know her as a person instead of only thinking of her as a sexual object and THAT is a hell of a lot more romantic than that bonus chapter was. Just like feeling something spark in his chest at the thought of Gwyn's happiness is the epitome of romance. Tell me you'd be fine with your love interest feeling something spark in his chest at the thought of another female's happiness and I'd show you a liar.

Az didn't respond in a mate like way during the Rite? Rowan watched Aelin nearly die multiple times before he realized she was his.

Are these really the arguments that are supposed to prove e/riel?

When Sarah talks about Josh being her soulmate, she's talking about the ways that he supports her even when she's at her worst, not the ways he lusts for her.

[shadowriel]

ACOTAR Couples & Halloween Costumes: Headcanons 👻 🎃

Feysand: Feyre and Rhys definitely have a cute family costume planned with Nyx, but as soon as they leave him with a babysitter, they have to be the hottest couple in a 25-mile radius. Think Mr. & Mrs. Smith, think mafia AU, think Feyre in a slutty dress and Rhys unable to keep his hands off her

Nessian: Nesta and Cassian start planning their costumes at least a year in advance. No expense is spared, no detail is overlooked. Sure, they get into semi-heated arguments leading up to their favourite day of the year, but it’s well worth it. My vote goes to them being sexy pirates, or a gender bent Hades and Persephone.

Elucien: The thing about Elain Archeron is that she will always be that bitch, so well-dressed that people can’t help but stare. Lucien LOVES it! He’s also more than happy to take off his shirt at Elain’s request. A Greek god (or warrior) and goddess definitely works for their day court vibes (bonus points if Elain is Aphrodite).

Azris: Eris and Azriel famously refuse to put effort into Halloween. Azriel has been known to throw on cat ears. Eris has worn a mask or used fake blood on more than one occasion. Yet, somehow they end up surprising everyone by dressing up as a cop (Eris) and sexy criminal (Azriel). Yes, the handcuffs are fully functional. And, yes, Azriel wears a crop top.

Emorie: Our fave girlies have one goal on Halloween, and that’s to look ridiculously hot. Mor lives by the fact that “hoes don’t get cold” and usually makes a costume out of lingerie. Emerie’s been known to follow her lead or dress in something’s that more comfy. I think they would absolutely slay as an angel and demon.

Bonus addition: Emerie as a witch (and Mor can tag along as a black cat)

Gwynriel: These two always go with a costume that’s ridiculously niche or nerdy. Sometimes, Gwyn will get Azriel to dress up as her favourite male characters. Sometimes, she’ll wear a gorgeous costume on her own (and Azriel will just be there, looking at her with hearts in his eyes). Batman and catwoman is a fan favourite, but Gwyn loves the year she found her new favourite book and got them to dress up as a priestess and shadowsinger.

Elriel: Elain is hot (see above), and Azriel is more than happy to take a supporting role when it comes to couples costumes. Elain wants to wear a fancy dress? Azriel will offer to hold her purse. It’s an Elain Archeron world and Azriel is loving every second of just being in it. I feel like a flower and gardener costume would be cute couples costume for them.

Jassa: Jurian and Vassa are here to have fun. All of their costumes are easy-going and definitely bought last-minute, but they still look amazing. They’re known to find things around the house, and wear a costume that they insist is a pun. Some years, they remember they have these race car outfits at the back of their closet.

Gwynlain: Gwyn and Elain are for the Pinterest girlies. They always have the most gorgeous costumes, and their makeup is impeccably done. Dare I say, they’re the second hottest couple in a 25-mile radius. My brain is literally malfunctioning at the thought of them dressing up like Bloom and Flora from Winx Club.

I honestly could go on and on (and on…)

[All images were found on pinterest]

[theshadowsingersraven]

Even if Elriel became endgame I don't know how to express how little that would matter to me at least because it would be so easy to write a significantly better love story than they could ever hope to be. I'm literally doing it right now with a non-canon character. Every Gwynriel and Elucien fic is doing it right now.

Elain leaving the Night Court of her own accord, finding herself outside of her family who smothers, underestimates, and undermines her, and finding Lucien along the way and learning that they are not nearly as different as she thought? That he's kind, respectful, humorous, and believes in justice? Who she can find connections to Vassa and Jurian through, people who have also had their humanity stolen from them, who can truly understand her? Defeating Koschei together? Ascending to High Lord and High Lady of Day?

That will always be better than Elain becoming a sideline to Azriel’s storyline, supporting him in the background with the Wraith Twins being to her what Alis was to Feyre. That was will always be better than Elain having to reassure Azriel that she isn't going to leave him for her mate (who she will always be tied to, even with a rejected bond) because it's within character for someone like him with self-worth issues and meticulous planning habits to anticipate the worst.

Azriel seeking out the history of Truth-Teller and it's ties to Enalius, healing his trauma from the Illyrian culture and his family while Gwyn tries to handle the fallout of the Valkyries winning the Blood Rite, and the three of them alongside Az and Cassian investigating the thin place beneath Ramiel? The exact thing Eris referenced? Gywn and Azriel healing from their self-worth wounds simultaneously, if not by helping each other? Gwyn finding out the truth of her own heritage? Gwyn being beside Azriel when he finally faces his father and half-brothers on page? The two of them being the first people to stand by Nesta’s side as she ascends to High Lady of the newly-revived Dusk Court?

That will always be better than Azriel questioning if he does have a mate somewhere out there and spending his relationship miserable while smelling whatever remnants of the Elucien bond there is if they decide to reject it? And if they don't, spending every waking moment with his partner being reminded that the Mother decided that they aren't a true match?

Just because SJM might decide to canonize a miserable, surface-level love story where neither party could be truly happy because of the mate bond doesn't mean her readership will accept it or not find something better. Fanfics always have and always will exist, my loves. And if any of us have read Manacled, for example, we know how much better fanfics can be than the actual source material. But I'd like to believe that if I can think of all the above major, unromantic if not disappointing flaws that would inevitably plague Elriel, then SJM can, too.

[freyjas-musings]

Do you believe Nessian a Gwynriel or Elriel? I personally think they will be a hardcore supporter of Gwynriel.

Hi Anon,

Let me present my answer with the following "Canon" info from the "latest" book of ACOTAR which also makes it the most relevant.

Nessian about Gwynriel

Cassian - When Gwyn becomes the first Valkyrie Reborn by cutting the ribbon that Az helped her with

Nesta - Whose words have power , Amren and everyone in Prythian clearly know this and for her to declare Az as Gwyns Ribbon is conclusive that Gwyn and Az are endgame

Nessian on Elriel

CASSIAN - Reacting to Lucien.

Nesta - Calling Elain a wretch for her behaviour towards Lucien

So in conclusion Nessian are hard core Gwynriels 😍..... and of course support Elucien

[sunshinebingo]

Gwyn and Azriel stumble across Rhys as they leave for their date.

Gwynriel with a dash of Gwynsand - 700 words

For @lulling-night-sky who is a sucker for fluff and anything that has to do with Rhysand (except my fics where he gets beaten up)

***

“Ready?” Azriel asked Gwyn after having gaped at her in awe for a while.

Gwyn beamed, her heart fluttering at how flustered she had – not for the first time – rendered the usually stoic Spymaster, and nodded excitedly.

She had been looking forward to this moment for the entire day. Even as she had fed and played with Nyx, her thoughts had kept going back to Azriel and their upcoming evening together.

Having happily agreed to spend the day looking after the little lord with Nesta at the River House so that his parents could focus on their duties, Gwyn had decided to bring everything that she would need and get ready for her date with Azriel here instead of asking someone to winnow or fly her back to the House of Wind. Besides, Emerie and her had spent so much time here with the inner circle that the High Lord and Lady always had a guest room reserved for them.

She took the hand that Azriel offered and followed him from the bottom of the staircase to the foyer. From the living area, she heard the voices of Nesta and Cassian who was enthusiastically responding to the prattling of Nyx, as well as Feyre who had returned while Gwyn was stressing out over whether to put her hair up or leave it down.

She had gone with the third option proposed by Nesta to tie the top half up with a pretty silver hair stick gifted to her by Emerie for Solstice. The best thing about it was the thin dagger hidden inside that could potentially come in handy. She might be going out with one of deadliest – and most handsome – male alive, but she was still a Valkyrie who loved daggers, especially when they were disguised as pretty accessories.

“You are breathtaking.”

Gwyn blushed from his compliment. Emerie and Nesta were right about the fact that her little black dress was the ideal choice. It was also a perfect match to Azriel’s entirely black attire.

“So are you, Shadowsinger.”

His answering smile almost made her trip on her own feet. He brought their intertwined hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

Azriel opened the door and started to leave when another set of footsteps was heard coming their way. Looking to her left, Gwyn saw Rhysand strolling towards them with his hands in his pockets, no doubt having completed his work for the day and ready to reunite with his mate and son.

“Bye Rhys.” She waved a hand at him.

Gwyn still couldn’t believe how close they have become over the past few years. Sometimes they were a High Lord and a Valkyrie who worked together for the well-being of those they cared for, other times they were confidants who listened and offered support. Sometimes they were like protective siblings who looked out for each other, oftentimes they were the type of siblings who teased and pestered the other. But at the core of all these versions of them were mutual respect and care. The kind of bond that Gwyn never thought that she would ever have. None of the relationships that she had forged so far had been expected, yet they were all precious in their own way.

“Be home by midnight,” he ordered, pursing his lips to stop the smile that was threatening to break on his lips. His violet eyes sparkled like the first stars that had started to appear in the sky. Azriel snorted at the curfew that his brother was imposing on Gwyn.

“Fuck off.” She rolled her eyes. “You’re not my father.”

Rhys crossed his arms and puffed his chest. The arrogant asshole, she thought.

“I’m old enough to be.”

Gwyn laughed. She squeezed Azriel’s hand and dragged him out of the door, eager to finally be alone with him.

“You’re old enough to be the cauldron’s father,” she shouted at Rhys before slamming his own door shut in his face.

The sound of Rhys’ gasp on the other side of the door was covered by the chuckle that Azriel let out beside her. What a lovely way to start their evening!

[nikethestatue]

Having been in this fandom for a long time, I think what's become apparent--and I think that's where most of our problems stem from--is that PERSONAL INTERPRETATION has become the default thing to fall back onto, and consequently, it's been used over and over again to negate or disregard the author's INTENT, because it doesn't align with personal preference. Consequently, people began being duped into believing that a reader's personal interpretation of text is 'right' and that canon doesn't matter and that SJM's own intention don't matter as well.

Here are some examples:

Did SJM INTENDED for Cassian to be a terrible mate who will sell Nesta for a chicken nugget if Rhys tells him to? Was the intent to show how poor Nessian pairing is?

OR

Is it just that Cassian did not live up to the readers' own expectations of what they wanted for Nesta? And is their interpretation of Cassian as an awful match for Nesta, who doesn't care about her, only cares about sex, and would never stand up for her or support her, actually correct?

Did SJM INTENDED for Gwyn's scenes in ACOSF to be romantic towards Azriel? Was her cutting the ribbon or climbing or running a prelude to the great Gwynriel romance novel?

OR

Is it that Gwyn was created to be a springboard for Nesta's self-discovery and healing? Someone who accepted, supported and encouraged Nesta when Nesta was at her lowest? And did many readers' animosity towards Elain's characters drove them to willfully interpret absolutely non-romantic scenes as romantic in a futile hope that somehow, their personal wants would translate to page?

Did SJM intended for Rhys and Feyre to be viewed as ignorant despots who hate their own people, only care about wealth and power, and don't give a damn about anyone but themselves and their five houses?

OR

Is Rhys's love for Feyre the driving force behind many of his decisions? for example giving her an extravagant house? Does Rhys really want to trample on everyone's rights, or is he allowing some of his subjects the freedom of autonomy and self-actualization? Is the intent to show that he is a thoughtful and imperfect leader, who cares about the welfare of his people, or is that he is a dictator who gave his lover an empty title?

While SJM's execution of certain topics isn't perfect, I think that wilful ignorance and the desire to see something that isn't there, and something that SJM didn't intended at all, is really the cause of all the shipwars and the IC hate.

Is SJM REALLY in love with Lucien and is excited to write his book, or is that the fantasy of his stans? Whereas SJM's never been particularly complimentary towards Lucien and his character in interviews or in canon?

Will Tamlin's elusive 'redemption arc' REALLY be something that SJM is interested in writing? Or her calling him a 'douchebag' is kind of indicative of her feelings towards him?

"Elriels are obsessed with canon'. We heard this again and again and again. Being obsessed with canon' simply means that we are paying attention to what SJM's intentions are and what she wants to convey through her words. Elriels, just like everyone else have headcanons about Elain, and Az, and Elriel. But we don't discard the actual books and writing in favour of our headcanons.

I feel that lack of consideration towards 'intent' is really leading some people down a very slippery road, where at the end of it, they'll find a lot of crushed dreams. Because most of the time, 'black' is just....black. It's not white. It's not even opaque. It's just, black. I think people should remember that when they do their 'analysis'.

[works-of-heart]

"E/riel has plot!"

What plot? If they're already 'in love,' what's the plot for them to fall in love?

Oh Forbidden romance?

...You mean how Elain ISN'T FORCED AT ALL to accept this mating bond? How literally no one is forcing her hand one way or another and it's up to HER whether she wants to accept her mate or not?

How Rhys challenged Azriel to show he had ANY feelings beyond the fantasies he pleasured himself to, but fell short?

Or how Rhys said that if Elain DID choose to reject it, that she would have their support? (Clearly Rhysand isn't standing in the way if Azriel's feelings for her were anything beyong "the fantasies he pleasured himself to." or could at least say with his chest he was over Mor.

Oh, you mean the tons of other 'theories' that e/riel has come up with that literally destroys all the character/ story build up she's been writing? Having an SA survivor be evil and luring men. Or having that character not be involved at all (Because you know, THAT plot threatens your ship.)

Oh riiight, the millions of different kinds of 'mate' theories. How ONLY Elucien's bond is the wrong one, but everyone else's? They're right! Even though, Lucien shares the SAME mating qualities that Rhysand and Cassian share. The longing stares, (Azriel had that for Mor too before Moriel got retconned. Don't worry Az, there's a fiery red haired beauty waiting for you!), the concern, the mate desire and the chant of "you are mine and I am yours." Sounds like Lucien's bond fits right alongside the others doesn't it?

The plots they claim would literally take Lucien's HEA away, despite SJM's OWN WORDS that there was 'someone special' for him, then making him mates with ELAIN. Then going on to say that there's a great deal of Tension, growth and HEALING for them( TOGETHER). Oh, look! That sounds like PLOT doesn't it? A plot of healing tension and growth! Something that SJM is known for in her books. Something Feyre, and Nesta got. Interesting.

Lucien is carrying the story in the Background. He has his hands dipped in Koschei, Vassa and Jurien, Beron and Eris, Spring court, Day court (finding out his true heritage), Emissary to Night court and Ally (As Rhys clearly explains).

Hmmmm. It sounds to me like Lucien has a TON of plot surrounding him. Elain being a seer, being said that Spring court was built for her. Her scent is the "Promise of Spring." (Who is currently stationed in spring court? Oh, Lucien, her mate! Look at that, it's already set up! =D) Even Rhysand states that we haven't seen all there is to Elain, and yet SJM is prepping her to go to spring.

Tell me, how does E/riel fit into spring? Do we need yet another contradicting 'plot/theory' to make it work?

The way Az's shadows don't run from Gwyn, they dance with her. They don't raise up alarm (which let's be real, if she was evil, his shadows would ABSOLUTELY tell Azriel to be cautious. Instead, they sit calmly at his shoulders. They're playful and sing.) Azriel not having to hide his scars, not having to think negative, degrating thoughts about himself while he's with Gwyn. The spark in his chest he got at the thought of her teal eyes lighting up. A thing of secret lovely beauty (Not a thing of deciept and magic). And no, he never got a spark in his chest for Elain.

The tie to Valkyrie and Illyrians, there's banter and laughter between them. Nesta being Gwyn's chosen sister, Cassian being Az's chosen brother. Think of the cute double dates they'd have!

If E/riel needs to make people who SJM have literally set up to have epic stories 'villains' or have them die, or not even exist for the ship to work, if their HEA includes ruining entire plots and stories, butchering characters, then it isn't very good now is it?

Meanwhile, Elucien and Gwynriel are set up to have intrigue, healing and growth for BOTH of the couples. I dunno, you can call the bad character breaking theories 'plots' if you want. If that helps you believe in your ship, sure? I rest easy knowing SJM isn't out here trying to rewrite her WHOLE entire story and throw out everything she wrote in the garbage, just to make ONE ship happen when she said there were clearly 2.