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adairnight · 2 years ago

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#gwynriel #progwynriel

Why I ship Gwynriel and Elucien, and not El/riel

(Disclaimer: Obviously these are just my feelings so keep that in mind if you disagree with something that I’ve said)

Elain and Azriel

On paper El/riel as a couple wouldn’t necessarily be a bad one. Truthfully. But the issue for me is that I don’t think they really suit each other.

Elain and Azriel don’t have any of the spark that we normally see in SJM couples. If you take a second to look at any of her established couples you’ll see what I mean. Pretty much all of them at one point have disliked each other, verbally lashed out, or challenged/called the other out on their bullshit. We have yet to see any of this from Elain and Azriel. If anything, they are too nice to each other. And I’m not saying that it’s bad for them to be nice to each other but looking at SJM’s track record, it’s not pointing at them being endgame either.

A perfect example is when Elain was telling Nesta and the rest of the IC that she wanted to help look for the Dread Trove. Azriel said nothing. This was the perfect opportunity for him to disagree with her and explain his concerns, but instead he chose to wait until later when Elain wasn’t around to voice his opinion. Even after he heard Elain tell Nesta “You do not decide what I can and cannot do, Nesta.” and “You can’t have it both ways. You cannot resent my decision to lead a small, quiet life while also refusing to let me do anything greater.” he still went behind her back to undermine what she wanted. All he had to do was talk to Elain about it but he didn’t. If after two years of knowing her and he still can’t take the time to challenge Elain in her presence, then why should I care enough to want them together? All that tells me is that they aren’t as comfortable with each other as people like to believe.

I also don’t really think they had three books of build up. Did they have moments? Sure. But Azriel was still very much in love with Mor, Elain was in love with Graysen then she was sad from losing him, and SJM was also planting seeds for Elucien.

“Is he good—the lord’s son she’s to marry?” “The son, Graysen, is kind enough. As smitten with Elain as she is with him.” (ACOMAF)

“What a prize,” the king said, that black gaze devouring her. Azriel’s head lifted from where he was sprawled in his own blood, eyes full of rage and pain as he snarled at the king, “Don’t you touch her.” Mor looked at Azriel—and there was real fear there. Fear—and something else. She didn’t stop moving until she again kneeled beside him and pressed a hand to his wound. Azriel hissed—but covered her bloody fingers with his own. (ACOMAF)

Lucien staggered a step forward as Elain was gripped between two guards and hoisted up. She began kicking then, weeping while her feet slammed into the sides of the Cauldron as if she’d push off it, as if she’d knock it down— “That is enough.” Lucien surged for Elain, for the Cauldron. And the king’s power leashed him, too. On the ground beside Tamlin, his single eye wide, Lucien had the good sense to look horrified as he glanced between Elain and the High Lord. (ACOMAF)

Elain was still shivering on the wet stones, her nightgown shoved up to her thighs, her small breasts fully visible beneath the soaked fabric. Guards snickered. Lucien snarled at the king over the bite of the magic at his throat, “Don’t just leave her on the damned floor—” There was a flare of light, and a scrape, and then Lucien was stalking toward Elain, freed of his restraints. Tamlin remained leashed on the ground, a gag of white, iridescent magic in his mouth now. But his eyes were on Lucien as— As Lucien took off his jacket, kneeling before Elain. (ACOMAF)

But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in. Dark brown eyes met one eye of russet and one of metal. Nesta was still weeping, still raging, still inspecting Elain— Lucien’s hands slackened at his sides. His voice broke as he whispered to Elain, “You’re my mate.” (ACOMAF)

“Azriel,” Rhys said, “has been preoccupied with the same female for the past five hundred years.” “Wouldn’t the mating bond have snapped into place for them if it exists?” Rhys’s eyes shuttered. “I think that is a question Azriel has been asking himself every day since he met Mor.” (ACOWAR)

Eris set down his goblet and said, “You look well, Mor.” “You don’t speak to her,” Azriel said softly. (ACOWAR)

“I’m surprised you still can’t control yourself around him. You had every emotion written right on that pretty face of yours.” “Watch it,” Azriel warned. (ACOWAR)

“Good to know that after five hundred years, you still dress like a slut.” One moment, Azriel was seated. The next, he’d blasted through Eris’s shield with a flare of blue light and tackled him backward, wood shattering beneath them. “Shit,” Cassian spat, and was instantly there— And met a wall of blue. Azriel had sealed them in, and as his scarred hands wrapped around Eris’s throat, Rhys said, “Enough.” Azriel squeezed, Eris thrashing beneath him. No physical brawling—there had been a rule against that, but Azriel, with whatever power those shadows gave him … “Enough, Azriel,” Rhys ordered. Perhaps those shadows that now slid and eddied around the shadowsinger hid him from the wrath of the binding magic. The others made no move to interfere, as if wondering the same. Azriel dug his knee—and all his weight—into Eris’s gut. He was silent, utterly silent as he ripped the air from Eris’s body. Beron’s flames struck the blue shield, over and over, but the fire skittered off and fizzled out on the water. Any that escaped were torn to shreds by shadows. (ACOWAR)

“But—but he loves her. How can he sit idly by?” “He thinks she’s happier without him.” His eyes shone with the memory—of his own choice to sit back. “He thinks he’s unworthy of her.” “It seems like an Illyrian trait.” (ACOWAR)

“We know,” Mor said, and none of us dared glance at Elain. “We learned about it.” And even with the truth laid bare … none of us told him that Lucien had gone after her. Elain seemed to remember, though. Who was hunting for that missing queen. And she said to Graysen, stone-faced and sorrowful through all of this, “I did not mean to deceive you.” His father answered, “I find I have trouble believing that.” Graysen swallowed. “Did you think you could come back here—live with me as this … lie?” “No. Yes. I—I don’t know what I wanted—” “And you are bound to some … Fae male. A High Lord’s son.” A different High Lord’s heir, likely, I wanted to say. “His name is Lucien.” I wasn’t certain if I’d ever heard his name from her lips. “I don’t care what his name is.” The first sharp words from Graysen. “You are his mate. Do you even know what that means?” “It means nothing,” Elain said, her voice breaking. “It means nothing. I don’t care who decided it or why they did—” “You belong to him.” “I belong to no one. But my heart belongs to you.” Graysen’s face hardened. “I don’t want it.” He would have been better off hitting her, that’s how deep the hurt in her eyes went. And seeing her face crumple … (ACOWAR)

Graysen said to Elain, “Take that ring off.” Elain’s fingers curved into a fist. “No.” Ugly. This was about to get ugly in the worst way— “Take. It. Off.” It was Nolan’s turn to murmur a warning to his son. Graysen ignored him. Elain did not move. “Take it off! ” The roared words barked over the stones. “That’s enough,” Rhys said, his voice lethally calm. “The lady keeps the ring, if she wants it. Though none of us will be particularly sad to see it go. Females tend to prefer gold or silver to iron.” Graysen leveled a seething look at Rhysand. “Is this the start of it? You Fae males will come to take our women? Are your own not fuckable enough?” “Watch your tongue, boy,” his father said. Elain turned white at the coarse language. Graysen only said to her, “I am not marrying you. Our engagement is over. I will take whatever people occupy your lands. But not you. Never you.” Tears began sliding down Elain’s face, their scent filling the room with salt. (ACOWAR)

Lucien, haggard and bloody, panting for breath. As if he’d run from the shore. His gaze settled on Elain, and he sagged a little. But Elain only wrapped her arms around herself and remained at my side. “Are you hurt?” he asked, coming toward us. Spying the blood speckling Elain’s hands. He halted short as he noticed the King of Hybern’s decapitated head on the other side of the clearing. Nesta was still showered with his blood. “I’m fine,” Elain said quietly. And then asked, noticing the gore on him, the torn clothes and still-bloody weapons, “Are you—” “Well, I never want to fight in another battle as long as I live, but … yes, I’m in one piece.” A faint smile bloomed on Elain’s lips. (ACOWAR)

Elain just wrapped her arms tighter around herself, a few more tears streaking free. I spared Lucien the torment of debating whether to touch her, and linked my arm through his as I began to walk away, letting my sisters decide to follow or remain—if they wanted a moment alone with that burnt grass. Elain came. Nesta stayed. Elain fell into step beside me, peering at Lucien. He noticed it. “I heard you made the killing blow,” he said. Elain studied the trees ahead. “Nesta did. I just stabbed him.” (ACOWAR)

Lucien shrugged. “First—here. To help. Then …” Another glance at Elain. “Who knows?” I nudged Elain, who blinked at me, then blurted, “You could come to Velaris.” He saw all of it, but nodded graciously. “It would be my pleasure.” (ACOWAR)

“It has only been a few months. Graysen made it clear that the engagement is ended, but it might take her a while longer to move past it.” (ACOFAS)

“I don’t want a mate. I don’t want a male.” She wanted a human man. (ACOFAS)

By the windows, Mor sprang into motion, handing Azriel his gift. Torn between watching the two, I remained in the doorway. Azriel’s composure didn’t so much as falter as he opened her present: a set of embroidered blue towels—with his initials on them. Bright blue. I had to look away to keep from laughing. Az, to his credit, gave Mor a smile of thanks, a blush creeping over his cheeks, his hazel eyes fixed on her. I looked away at the heat, the yearning that filled them. (ACOFAS)

If even by ACOFAS he’s still giving Mor fuck me eyes and Elain is still not over Graysen and wants a human man, then how can I be invested in El/riel? And sure by ACOSF he’s looking at Elain with fuck me eyes but by that point it holds no weight for me. Why? Because he’s pretty much just transferred his lust for Mor onto Elain. And I can’t say what made Elain suddenly not want a human man because we haven’t gotten her thoughts. It could just be a case of her latching onto Azriel because he’s kind to her. Who knows.

As for the Bonus Chapter, let me just say that I don’t have a problem with Azriel having sexual thoughts about Elain. My problem is that it’s the only thing that Azriel had to say in his thoughts about her. Sure he made a comment about her beautiful face (which we know she’s beautiful because everyone says so) but he made the comment while wondering how it would look as he entered her. He could have easily made a mention of something like “her brown eyes sparkled when she laughed, filling him with warmth” or “her smile made his chest ache” or just anything about her and the way she made him feel, not his cock. But he didn’t. And my other issue is that Azriel hasn’t had a conversation with Mor, who he’s loved for centuries. How can I believe that Elain is really what he wants when he can so easily dismiss Mor without even talking to her or about her? And I also need Elain to talk with Lucien. Why did she suddenly start avoiding him after they ended ACOWAR on good terms? There’s a story there and one that needs to be addressed.

Azriel and Elain need to learn how to communicate with Mor and Lucien before I can ever see them as a couple. Because as things are now, Elain feels more like a consolation prize to Azriel and not a serious love interest.

Gwyn and Azriel

Here’s my favorite thing about Gwynriel: they have so much potential to be one of SJM’s best couples.

Unlike El/riel, Gwyn and Azriel do have the spark that we’ve seen in previous couples. We have seen that Gwyn isn’t afraid to challenge Azriel.

Gwyn asked Az, her teal eyes bright, “What do we get if we finish the course?” Az’s shadows danced around him. “Since there’s no chance in hell any of you will finish the course, we didn’t bother to get a prize.” Boos sounded. Gwyn lifted her chin in challenge. “We look forward to proving you wrong.” (ACOSF)

“Sadistic monsters,” Gwyn hissed as the three friends limped toward the water station, defeat heavy on their shoulders. “We try again tomorrow,” Emerie swore, sporting a black eye thanks to the swinging log that had knocked her on her ass before Nesta could grab her. “We keep trying until we wipe that smug look off their stupid perfect faces.” Indeed, Azriel and Cassian had just leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and smiled at them the entire time. 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.” (ACOSF)

And that’s something that I have yet to see from Elain when it comes to Azriel. She’s never challenged him in any way. We know she’s capable of it, we saw her do it with Nesta and even Amren. So why not Azriel?

Then there’s the fact that it was Azriel who saved Gwyn.

“Azriel slaughtered all of them within moments. He didn’t hesitate. But I could barely move, and when I tried to get up … He gave me his cloak and wrapped me in it.” (ACOSF)

Like others have pointed out, SJM could have made it anyone who saved Gwyn but she chose Azriel. Another thing that sets up a future connection is Cassian thinking this about the library.

A sanctuary for females who’d endured such unspeakable horrors that he was always happy to carry out justice on their behalf. His mother had needed a place like this. But Rhys had established it long after she’d left this world. He wondered if Azriel’s mother had ever considered coming here, or if he’d ever pushed her to. (ACOSF)

This makes me think that SJM might have plans to bring Azriel’s mother to the library at some point in the future, and who lives in the library? Gwyn. Again, I feel like this was intentional.

And I’ve seen people question what a Gwyn and Azriel book would be about or say that it’ll just be a repeat of Nessian’s story. Okay, so there is actually so much that Gwyn and Azriel have to overcome individually, and there’s been hints at what the conflict could be in a Gwynriel book.

For starters, we know that Gwyn still feels guilt over her sister and feels unworthy.

“I knew Catrin would have been the first to sign up for training, so … I did, too. But even training these months hasn’t erased the fact that I let my sister die. You asked me once why I don’t wear the hood or the Invoking Stone. That stone is a sign of holiness. How can someone like me wear it?” (ACOSF)

Gwyn still has to learn how to forgive herself and know that she’s worthy. And there’s still the mystery behind her father that has to be answered.

“My mother was unwanted by either of their people. She could not dwell in the rivers of the Spring Court, but was too untamed to endure the confinement of the forest house of Autumn. So she was given in her childhood to the temple at Sangravah, where she was raised. She partook in the Great Rite when she was of age, and I, we—my sister and I, I mean—were the result of that sacred union with a male stranger. She never found out who he was, for the magic chose him that night, and no one ever showed up to ask about twin girls.” (ACOSF)

And we also know that by the end of ACOSF she went back to the library.

“Gwyn, despite the Rite, had returned to living in the library.” (ACOSF)

Why include this? I believe to let us know that Gwyn’s story is far from over. She overcame so much but at the same time still has a lot of healing left.

Moving onto Azriel. My poor baby bat has so much unresolved trauma due to what his so called family did to him. And we know that he’s still not over how his mother was treated.

There are some scars when it comes to how his mother was treated. Many scars. (ACOFAS)

And Azriel’s hatred for the Illyrians is another thing that I think has to be addressed, because he has so much rage and hatred for them. But what you have to realize is that by extension that means he has rage and hatred for himself too.

“I know you’re not Illyrian, but … amongst their kind, it is considered … inappropriate to touch someone’s wings without permission. Especially females.” Their kind. Not his. (ACOWAR)

“The Illyrians are pieces of shit,” he said too quietly. I opened my mouth and shut it. Shadows gathered around his wings, trailing off him and onto the thick red rug. “They train and train as warriors, and yet when they don’t come home, their families make us into villains for sending them to war?” “Their families have lost something irreplaceable,” I said carefully. Azriel waved a scarred hand, his cobalt Siphon glinting with the movement as his fingers cut through the air. “They’re hypocrites.” “And what would you have me do, then? Disband the largest army in Prythian?” Az didn’t answer. (ACOFAS)

It was healthy, perhaps, for Az to sometimes remember where he’d come from. He still wore the Illyrian leathers. Had not tried to get the tattoos removed. Some part of him was Illyrian still. Always would be. Even if he wished to forget it. (ACOFAS)

“Az gets to lead the Illyrians now?”“Don’t play stupid,” Rhys said coolly. Cassian rolled his eyes. But they both knew Azriel would sooner disband and destroy Illyria than help it. Convincing their brother that the Illyrians were a people worth saving was still a battle amongst the three of them. (ACOSF)

Plus there’s his insecurities, not feeling like he’s worthy, and anger issues that need to be addressed, along with his unhealthy codependent tendencies that we’ve seen in his infatuation over having a mating bond with Mor and Elain. Azriel has a lot of healing to do within himself.

Now let’s talk about Gwynriel being a repeat of Nessian. I hard disagree. Would they have similar moments? Sure, maybe. But so does a lot of SJM couples. And Gwyn’s personal traumas are different from Nesta’s and their personalities are different as well. Same goes for Azriel and Cassian. And if Gwynriel is just a repeat of Nessian then isn’t El/riel a repeat of Feysand?

As for what conflicts can be in a Gwynriel book? Well I can give you one big important one: how about the possibility of an Illyrian rebellion which was hinted at in ACOSF?

“You did good work getting the Illyrians back in order this spring, you know.” He braced himself. He’d been anticipating this talk since he’d spent four months with the Illyrians, soothing the jagged edges amongst the war-bands, making sure the families who’d lost fathers and sons and brothers and husbands were taken care of, that they knew he was there to help and to listen, and generally making it very fucking clear that if they rose up against Rhys, there would be hell to pay. (ACOSF)

So the Illyrians were at peace—or as peaceful as a warrior society could be, with their constant training. Which was what Rhys wanted. Not just because a rebellion would be a disaster. (ACOSF)

I personally feel that she’s saving it for Azriel’s book. We’ve already talked about his hatred for the Illyrians, but what about how the llyrians treat women? And at the end of ACOSF it was said that the illyrians wouldn’t be happy about Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn completing and winning the Rite.

Nesta’s eyes stung as Gwyn said, “So we climb Ramiel. We take the Breaking. We win to prove to everyone that something new can be as powerful and unbreakable as the old rules. That something no one has ever seen before, not entirely Valkyrie nor entirely Illyrian, can win the Blood Rite.” (ACOSF)

Gwyn laughed hoarsely. “The Illyrians are going to be furious about our winning, you know. Especially because I have no intention of being called Carynthian. I’m content with being a Valkyrie.” “Oh, they’ll be in hysterics for decades,” Emerie agreed, grinning. Nesta grinned back, slinging her arms around her friends again and sinking into the deep cushions of the couch. “I can’t wait to see it.” (ACOSF)

I for one would love to read about an Illyrian Rebellion, and that’s something that fits into Azriel’s book and that Elain has nothing to do with.

Finally I want to talk briefly about the bonus chapter. Or more so, I want to talk about this moment when Azriel gave the necklace to Clotho.

She deserves something as beautiful as this. I thank you for the joy it shall bring her. Something sparked in Azriel’s chest, but he only nodded his thanks and left. He could picture it, though, as he ascended the stairs back to the House proper. How Gwyn’s teal eyes might light upon seeing the necklace. For whatever reason . . . he could see it. But Azriel tucked away the thought, consciously erasing the slight smile it brought to his face. Buried the image down deep, where it glowed quietly. A thing of secret, lovely beauty. (ACOSF: Bonus Chapter)

That is what was missing from his thoughts about Elain for me. This screams mate behavior. And if you have a problem with everyone getting mates, take it up with SJM. I have no idea why she even bothered to have the “mates are rare” thing when it’s clear that she wants to be a fated mates author, and I honestly don’t have a problem with it. Maybe she can address why everyone is getting mates in CC3, because I can’t see her not giving Azriel a mate since she loves him so much and we know that Azriel desperately wants one. And with both his brothers having mates, I think it only makes him feel even more worthless and would explain why he thinks Elain could be his mate. Because in his eyes both his brothers have an Archeron sister, so why not him? But that’s not a healthy way of thinking.

Gwyn and Azriel both have some healing to do, and Azriel needs to learn how to get to know a woman on a deeper level before falling for her. Gwyn might not be the woman that Azriel saw coming, but I think she’s the woman that he needs and deserves.

Elain and Lucien

Elain and Lucien can be such a different couple for SJM. She’s never had a couple who knew that they were mates and chose to ignore the bond for two years. Can you not imagine the angst that this couple could deliver?

Sure, as of right now Elain is avoiding Lucien, but that doesn’t bother me. Like I’ve said, SJM couples have a spark. So Elain wanting nothing to do with Lucien while being all smiles and sunshine with Azriel, only makes me believe Elucien will happen more than El/riel, because SJM couples never have easy starts to their relationships. In fact, most dislike and want nothing to do with the other.

Lucien hadn’t explained the black eye and cut lip, either. He’d only asked Rhys and me if we knew of a place to stay in Velaris, since he did not wish to inconvenience us further by staying at the town house, and did not wish to be isolated at the House of Wind. He hadn’t mentioned Elain, or his proximity to her. Elain had not asked him to stay, or to go. And whether she cared about the bruises on his face, she certainly hadn’t let on. (ACOFAS)

And as for Elain …. My sister rose to her feet. “I should get refreshments.” Lucien rose as well. “No need to trouble yourself. I’m—” But she was already out of the room. When her footsteps had faded from earshot, Lucien slumped into his armchair and blew out a long breath. “How is she?” “Better. She makes no mention of her abilities. If they remain.” “Good. But is she still …” A muscle flickered in his jaw. “Does she still mourn him?” The words were little more than a growl. I chewed on my lip, weighing how much of the truth to reveal. In the end, I opted for all of it. “She was deeply in love with him, Lucien.” His russet eye flashed with simmering rage. An uncontrollable instinct—for a mate to eliminate any threat. But he remained sitting. Even as his fingers dug into the arms of his chair. I continued, “It has only been a few months. Graysen made it clear that the engagement is ended, but it might take her a while longer to move past it.” Again that rage. Not from jealousy, or any threat, but—“He’s as fine a prick as any I’ve ever encountered.” Lucien had encountered him, I realized. Somehow, in living with Jurian and Vassa at that manor, he’d run into Elain’s former betrothed. And managed to leave the human lord breathing. “I would agree with you on that,” I admitted. “But remember that they were engaged. Give her time to accept it.” “To accept a life shackled to me?” My nostrils flared. “That’s not what I meant.” “She wants nothing to do with me.” “Would you, if your positions were reversed?” He didn’t answer. I tried, “After Solstice wraps up, why don’t you come stay for a week or two? Not in your apartment, I mean. Here, at the town house.” “And do what?” “Spend time with her.” “I don’t think she’ll tolerate two minutes alone with me, so forget about two weeks.” His jaw worked as he studied the fire. (ACOFAS)

“You couldn’t say a single word to him? A pleasant greeting?” Elain only stared at the steaming kettle as she set it on the stone counter. “He brought you a present.” Those doe-brown eyes turned toward me. Sharper than I’d ever seen them. “And that entitles him to my time, my affections?” “No.” I blinked. “But he is a good male.” Despite our harsh words. Despite this Band of Exiles bullshit. “He cares for you.” “He doesn’t know me.” “You don’t give him the chance to even try to do so.” Her mouth tightened, the only sign of anger in her graceful countenance. “I don’t want a mate. I don’t want a male.” She wanted a human man. (ACOFAS)

Elain and Lucien have so much tension and angst that could be explored. But what does Elain and Azriel have? Nothing. They have no conflicts. And before anyone says that they have a forbidden love, they don’t. Let’s not forget this conversation between Feyre and Rhysand.

“So you’re saying she could walk away—and Lucien would have free rein to kill whoever she wishes to be with.” Rhys turned from the mirror at last, his dark clothes pristine—cut perfectly to his body. No wings tonight. “Not free rein—not in my lands. It has been illegal in our territory for a long, long time for males to do that. Even before I was born. Other courts, no. On the continent, there are territories that believe the females literally belong to their mate. But not here. Elain would have our full protection if she rejects the bond.” (ACOWAR)

So there isn’t really a forbidden love. Did Rhys warn Azriel to stay away from Elain? Yes. But could Elain herself approach Rhys and tell him what she wanted, if Azriel was really who she wanted to be with? According to what Rhys has said in the past, then yes. It wouldn’t be an ideal time for them to get together, but Rhys could simply tell them to be mindful of Lucien when he visits or something like that.

But what I really wanted to talk about was it being mentioned multiple times that the Night Court isn’t a fit for Elain.

Elain would love this place. So many flowers, all in bloom, so much green—the light, vibrant green of new grass—so many birds singing and such warm, buttery sunshine. Nesta felt like a storm cloud standing amid it all. But Elain … The Spring Court had been made for someone like her. (ACOSF)

And if I’m remembering correctly, Feyre also made a similar comment about Elain and the Sring Court. But it’s this thought from Cassian here that makes me wonder what SJM has planned for Elain.

Elain in black was ridiculous. Yes, she was beautiful, but the color of her long-sleeved, modest gown leeched the brightness from her face. It wore her, rather than the other way around. And he knew the cruelty of the Hewn City troubled her. But she hadn’t hesitated to come. When Feyre had offered to let her remain home, Elain had squared her shoulders and declared that she was a part of this court—and would do whatever was needed. So Elain had let her golden-brown hair down tonight, and pinned it back with twin combs of pearl. He’d never once in the two years he’d known her found Elain to be plain, but wearing black, no matter how much she claimed to be part of this court … It sucked the life from her. (ACOSF)

There was no reason for Cassian to have this long inner monologue if it doesn’t mean anything. He could have easily said something like “Elain was beautiful, but black didn’t really suit her.” Or something along those lines. And why add the “no matter how much she claimed to be apart of this court” part? It seems like SJM is trying to tell us something about the future for Elain.

And I’ll go ahead and address the “Elain would never leave her sisters” comments. You do realize that people move away from home all the time and still keep in touch/see their family, right? And who said that she would never go back to the Night Court? Is she not entitled to go out and explore the world away from her sisters? I think the issue stems from the knowledge that if Elain did leave, it probably wouldn’t be Azriel who accompanied her but Lucien, who travels all the time. Maybe it’s just me, but I would love to have a story about Elain (and Lucien) traveling to the Spring and Autumn and Day Court. Not only because Lucien has a lot of things that need to be addressed at all courts, but because I would love to learn more about the other courts outside of the Night Court.

When I think about Elain and Lucien together, I find myself getting more and more excited at the amazing journey that their story could be.

(I apologize for any mistakes that I might have missed)

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