#these have been Firebird Facts of the evening

[firebirdsdaughter]

I still…

… Think the 2004 Thunderbirds movie, and this is as a person who knows nothing about the original material and isn't actually that interested, is strongest w/ the family stuff.

And maybe it's just the chemistry the cast developed, but genuinely the best parts of the movie are the bits focusing on the family and their relationships and how it's part of their work/effects it.

Stuff like how there's a marked difference between the conduct in the mission in the opening, and when they emergency rush to 5. In the opening, they're professional but still quipping at each other, even the dad, and just generally more confidant and upbeat. When heading to 5, however, there's no quips, no joking, no ribbing. Bc the stakes are different—that's their brother and son in there. Both situations are obviously equally important, but there's a different emotional weight, and no one says it, but it's noticeable in the way they behave and how quickly they respond.

I think what cost the film was not playing more into the emotional family angle. It's there, I've said before, there's several bits where the young man playing Alan is quite heartbreaking as a terrified kid whose family is in mortal peril, but I just… Want… More? And not just bc I wanted to see more of John (okay, that's part of it).

I love the plan of not just creating a 'disaster' for them to respond to, but specifically and intentionally putting a member of the family in danger. Instead of starting another fire elsewhere in the world to lure them out, they attack John. Like, that's brilliant! I wish that was the focus more.

[sillygoofyqueer]

More Heavenly Crowyuan thoughts for both you and @someonewhoreadswaaytoomuchfanfic.

As I was thinking up Heavenly Crow Demon ideas, it occurred to me that regeneration and fire are both things associated with Greek phoenixes. Considering PIDW's insane length, surely at least some of the adventures must have monsters cribbed from other mythologies, right?

With this is mind, there is a good chance Shen Yuan looks at his abilities and thinks something like, "Oh, I must have a grandparent who is a many-lived-regenerating-firebird. There sure were a lot of them in that volcanic demon realm mountain range where Binghe met wife 67." and just never question things further. Since Airplane opted not to include heavenly demon crows in his story, Shen Yuan has no idea they're even a possibility!

As sillygoofyqueer noted before, only heavenly demons naturally have Zuiyin marks, but it's really popular for artists to draw such markings on other sorts of demons too. Because of this, I'm fond of the headcanon that all sorts of demons mark their own foreheads either to denote their status or just for the sake of fashion.

I'm sure crow demons, with their love of shiny things, are happy to paint glittery markings on their foreheads, so they might not find Shen Yuan's natural mark all that odd (beyond perhaps the fact he never changes it). For Shen Yuan himself, since he transmigrated in with clothes and stuff, he probably figures the demon he transmigrated into painted it there before Shen Yuan replaced him.

Supposing the other crows do realize Shen Yuan's heritage, one of my many inspirations for crowyuan are the crows in Tamora Pierce's trickster series. Let me tell you, those crows were not impressed by either royalty or gods. If you want their help with something, you need to bribe them with something shiny!

As such, when they look at heavenly demon crows they probably just think things like, "Man, I wish my feathers came with natural gold tips!" and "That guy sure is helpful when driving off invaders!" but otherwise do not care in the slightest... Unless the heavenly demon crow in question uses their abilities to bully and steal from other crows of course. Then they might agree to offer tribute and some token amount of reverence, but they'll mostly just think that crow is an asshole.

I think this is such a silly funny idea as well, and I love the thought of, instead of worshipping the ground that heavenly demons walk on like most other demons, the extent of crow demons' appreciation ends at "...I want those shiny feathers :(" (imagine a whiney sibling's voice as you read that) and other than that, they really do not care about anything like that.

Also, on the topic of Shen Yuan just brushing off everything weird that hints towards his heritage, I can't stop thinking about the idea of him trying to get used to his own body and figure out what perks it has. Every time he comes across something that isn't mentioned in PIDW, he brushes it off with an "it must have been a fluke" or "well, never doing THAT ever again". For instance, when his arm sets alight and it's healed from a fall or something, he kind of pauses before deciding "well, now I'm hallucinating from the hitting my head" and just goes about his day as if nothing happened. One time he accidentally sets something on fire when he's healing (still believing that he is just regularly hallucinating now) and he stares at the ashes of whatever he burned before just gaslighting himself into believing he had a source of fire that caused the flames rather than him doing it.

[one-pissed-off-child]

vehicle headcanons bc im like. so bored

Lenore 100% rides a motorcycle, most likely a Harley or a Triumph. She enjoys a good street race, but only on remote roads that have been marked off and never spontaneously or on high ways. She used to do stunts with dirt bikes and atv's before her injury, but it plays hell with her hip now, so she just rides standard. She doesn't drive much, but if she had to get a car, it'd be a classic muscle car like a Firebird. She's an offensive driver insofar as she's more than willing to take a fender bender to prove a point and she will chase a bitch down if they run. Only if it's just her in the car, though. She mostly drives one-handed and rests her right hand on the console (or Annabel's thigh). She does enjoy cruising in a car but not as much as feeling Annabel hug her from behind on a bike

Annabel's ride would be Lenore a Cadillac, Porsche, and an Audi. She switches them out as the occasion calls for it. Her father bought all three. She trades them in for the lastest models every five years or earlier bc she couldn't be caught dead in a model that's gone out of style. People assume she likes being chauffeured around, but being in a vehicle she has no direct control of gives her hives, so 9 times out 10, she's going to be the one driving. The only people she trusts on the wheel are Prospero and Lenore. Very defensive driver bc she's always thinking 20 steps ahead and can smell bullshit from a mile away. She tells people she prefers convertibles for the visibility, but she really just likes watching Lenore hop over the door into the passenger seat.

Ada would sell her soul for a bright pink Porsche. Unfortunately, a brand new one is def out of her price range, and every time she buys a used one that she can afford, it craps out in like five months or so. She's forced to settle on a lightest burgundy Camry she can find at some point and she's bitching about it to everyone that can hear. She is the most godawful driver you will ever see. Road rage like no other. For years, she thought turn signals were a useless formality until a horrified Prospero told her otherwise. The fact that she has a license is the eighth wonder of the world (her tester was severely hungover). She keeps subtly asking to borrow Annabel's Porsche, but Anna just smiles and changes the subject.

Pluto has a crappy little Beetle that he stole from his dad, and to separate it from him would be to cut his heart out with a rusty butter knife. He's also a defensive driver but not in the same way Anna is. He's just very hyperaware of everything, which is great for snap reactions but can cause him to overreact sometimes. Does not play music or take his eyes off the road ever bc he's scared of getting distracted. Prefers taking mainroads bc high way speeds makes him nervous. He loves his car, but he'll typically just take the bus for short distances. The only time he's even marginally relaxed while driving is when his friends are with him, especially Eulalie.

Montessori has a Mustang, and he drives it like an asshole. I'm talking tailgating, cutting, muffler delete, zero turn signal whatsoever, always going at least twenty over, racing randoms on the highway etc etc. Rarely gets road rage, but causes it on a daily basis. One of his favorite plays is talking someone into a race, losing on purpose, betting money on a second race, and smoking their ass with his turbocharger. Yes, his car is kitted with every mod known to man, and yes, it does look like a douchebag owns it. He keeps trying to goad Lenore into a race, and she keeps rejecting him bc 1. She knows his schemes, and 2. She's not entirely convinced he won't try to run her over.

Eulalie prefers not to drive and doesn't own a car. It took forever to get her license bc she's so easily distracted that she's at risk of drifting into other lanes and/or hitting something. She did manage to get it eventually, but having to be constantly vigilant stresses her out, so she just bikes/skates (skateboarder Eulalie real) or uses public transit or grabs a ride from a friend. Despite everything, she's actually a very good and courteous driver when she's paying attention. She stops for pedestrians, bikers, ducks on the road, and so on. Her driving style is very smooth and steady in a way that could lull you to sleep. Until she has to slam the breaks to avoid sailing into oncoming traffic. She thinks it'd be really cool to own a Hearse with a black/purple color scheme, though. She shares a bus pass with Pluto

(Pt.2 cuz this got too long)

[siena-sevenwits]

Some live reactions to the first scene of An Illusion of Wings by @scarvenartist

“Mist rose from the icy canal, fog swirling around the eight ghostly monuments arrayed on both sides of the bridge.” – WHAT a wonderfully atmospheric opening! The tone – the visual! And the rest of the paragraph is a cut gem too – I can see this, I can feel this. It gives a remarkable sense of city’s age and the time of year. And given what I know of this story, that shapeshifting into animals is a feature of the story, it’s very fitting to start with these images of heraldic beasts. Reminds me ever so slightly of the opening montage of shots in the film adaptation of A Man for All Seasons.

Man. The way you plummet us straight into this duel situation while evoking all these hints of the broader worldbuilding. I’m impressed.

I had to look up “sable hat” and am pleased that I now know the name for those things. I am now educated.

“But I had been wandering the streets for hours in a futile search for my thieving feral sister, and these privileged gentlemen had decided to settle some insult on a public thoroughfare, inconveniencing everyone else. It offended me.” I love how voicey she is – this is so expressive of someone just done. Just absolutely done. “Thieving, feral sister” – the frustration in those words! And now these chaps dare to block up a public footpath with their stupid potential-murder-tiff – it’s just rude, it is.

Gonna call it now – this is going to be all my favourite things combined. (I have an advantage in that I read an older version of the first chapter of this story once before, but I still feel justified in calling it now.)

Yeah, Cazda, you’re taking all the angsty brooding out of the situation! Have some manners, dear!

As someone who struggles with finding smooth ways to slip a character’s age in organically, I applaud the way you got the fact she’s sixteen in early in a way that further characterizes both Gospodin Spectacles here and Cazda – he’s condescending in his elation, she’s touchy (though understandably so just now.)

Again, I’m at an advantage having read another version of this part, though it was some time ago and it’s only coming back to me as I read. But in light of that advantage – masterfully done, dropping that hint about how he wasn’t there when the initial offense that gave rise to the duel happened – that he’s not the man he appears to be. His remarks about “believing he had to be restrained” and all. And when Cazda catches that it’s a strange thing to say, he plays it off in words that might make us assume he was drunk at the time, and not wonder about it any further.

The description of his eyes turning “brittle blue” is very striking.

Cazda seeing the guardswoman and picturing herself similarly is a good character establishing moment – glimpses of what she values (“authoritative, confident, independent”). what she aspires to.

Oh, whoa, Officer, you’re putting a sabre to a young girl’s throat? You mean business! Yike!

I’m so curious now – her father was arrested? She was interrogated? She felt a confused guilt? There’s intriguing stuff here to be uncovered.

A teen girl wearing her father’s old coat – another hint about her circumstances and her family’s.

Swallow-man (Kiro, I know it’s Kiro, and I’ve loved him for years now even before my earlier reading foray because he’s so characterful in the art) is well-known to the police – at least his tendency to disappear as a swallow is. Oooh, and not just to the police it seems. OK, the Firebird, sure, he’d probably like that better than “Swallow-man.” Cazda doesn’t seem so inclined to be impressed, and indeed seems eager to disillusion her siblings. It will be interesting to see how much of this is a temporary fit of frustration and how much is her normal character.

Just the sight of the coin makes her stomach churn with hunger- yes, she and her family are in a bad way.

Nezka! I don’t really remember her much from the previous read, but I know she’s feral Magpie younger sister!

Hm – having a different human face is more serious that shapeshifter duelling. Yeah, I can see why that would be considered more dangerous to society in the eyes of the law.

And we're ending the scene with a return to Cazda's envy of the guardswoman - significant, foreshadowing.

[memoiich]

Hey you 🫵🤨

Maul is a complete gentleman around you, you will never have to open a door ever again. You dropped something - don't worry he's picking it up, you need something that you can't reach - you bet your damn ass he is getting it for you.

He is literally the perfect husband...

Modern Husband!Maul and his wife go grocery shopping? And he is just doing everything and being so helpful?

He totally is and i would marry him so quick. Just let me and my man be together please <3

Raspberry’s & Blood oranges

Word count : 1,2k

Ao3: link

Sadly today you had woken up with a desperate desire for blood oranges and raspberries and your husband being who he was , a saint wanted to go to the store to get them . You tried to roll over and sleep a bit more per maul’s request but that didn’t work. So you tagged along to your lover's enjoyment.

That brought you here to the parking lot ,in mauls black Pontiac firebird that he got from savage as a wedding present. He gave you a quick peck on the lips and walked out to open your door . You remembered thinking that from day 1 , Maul was a gentleman. In the beginning, he tried to hide it a little bit. Slamming the door a bit louder than normal when closing it or pulling his hand away when you reached for it . A month later you would kiss him under the stars . You took mauls hand that he had extended to you and stepped out of the car . “ thank you, my love”you said. He gave you that one grin, he was so proud of himself.

You noticed it immediately when you walked into the store . People were staring. At first you thought it was pretty normal, you normally shopped alone and were a bit of a regular . Then you thought it was because Maul was such an attractive guy. if he wasn’t your husband you would hit on him in a heartbeat . That's in fact exactly what you did all those years ago. But then you spotted something in an old lady’s eyes, Judgment. You looked over to your dearest and he grinned back.

The red zebrak in question was way too alternatively dressed now that you were looking at him . He clearly wasn’t used to grocery stores and the way u dress for them . He was wearing one of his favorite band t-shirts that was slightly ripped on the side showing a fair amount of tattoo and waist , you were definitely not complaining about it. On Top of that was his metal spiked leather jacket covered in homemade pins , that hugged him just right. The metal didn’t stop at his clothes either, He also had multiple studs and a nose ring and a very secret and hot tongue piercing. Patches were covering about 90% of his pants and chains were hanging from every loop he could find . He definitely stood out .

It didn’t help that Zebraks were still a bit more uncommon but Maul and his 2 brothers had been living here longer than the 2 of you were together . They even had their tattoo/piercing parlor here. You took Maul's hand in yours and gave her a bit of a judgy look back and she scurried away.

Maker ,your husband was the most beautiful creature alive no judgy looks would ever take that away. You heard an amused giggle coming from your left. “ Normally you aren’t so feisty, my love “ Maul said while grinning at you . You felt a bit embarrassed by Maul's notice. You took one of the blood oranges in front of you , they needed to be as red as possible. You liked them that way . You also took them in hopes of ending mauls joking and getting him back on track for the mission of grocery shopping.

A red hand covered yours and took the red-orangey fruit out of your hand. “ Blood oranges are believed to bring power and wealth to their consumers by the people of Dathomir” Maul said to you with that hint of wisdom to his voice. You took the fruit back from him ,” I need to eat plenty then , in case you divorce me “ you said jokingly. Maul rolled his eyes , he hated that little joke of yours. Not only were you one hell of a person , that could perfectly support herself. He would NEVER divorce you , you were the best thing that happened to him.

While Maul was mopping ,You tried to reach for one of the bag dispensers that were set unreasonably high for you and you weren’t even getting close to it . Maul came up behind you, you felt his chest against your back and saw his long tattooed arm reach for the beg . He had laid his other hand on your hip and you forgot what you were even doing until the man turned you around while dangling the little bag in front of you with that smug look on his handsome face . “You needed this right ?” He spoke so smoothly. You let out a giggle and walked back over to the blood oranges display. You took about 16 oranges and put them in the cart.

You looked over to where your husband had been standing mere seconds ago but he had disappeared in thin air . Glancing past the corner, you saw him standing at the berry bar .you walked over to him , only to be met with Maul staring intensely between a couple of boxes full of raspberries. The annoyance was clear on his face, nightbrothers were know to see colors a bit duller mainly reds and oranges since dathomir would otherwise be a bit overwhelming.

“ Don’t torture yourself, Maul” you grinned “ That's my job” . He looked at you utterly in love “ I was trying to find the reddest”he said, a bit defeated “ Why, are they sweeter?”. Maul knew you liked your fruit sweet “ they are, but that's not why i want the reddest fruit “ “ Then why” You were quite curious right now. “ Dathomirians believe that raspberries strengthen bonds, how redder they are the more romantic they become “ maul uttered a bit embarrassed . You thought it was adorable how your scary looking husband was so soft and sweet .” You don’t need raspberries to strengthen our bond, maul . I love you regardless, my dear “ You grabbed 2 boxes out of the 9 lined in front of him” These are the reddest “ you put them in the cart.

The check out went extremely fast and you and maul were outside in about 5 minutes. You were looking at the masterpiece of a husband you had , you wanted to tell him that you deeply enjoyed the trip to the grocery store and how much you loved him but the rights words wouldn’t come to you and when they finally did…

he said “ you are dearer to me than all the blood oranges and raspberries in the world “ . The exact words you had thought of . Again at a loss of words you just leaned into him and kissed his cheek. Maul flushed a deeper shade of red immediately , which was ironic since you two had been married for more than 5 years and had done a lot more than that. Grocery shopping would definitely become a together thing.

I hope this was what you had in mind , it was a bit hard to make grocery shopping appealing so i made new Dathomir lore up ( i love doing that teehee).

{Masterlist}

[yaralulu]

Day 1:Fated Just A Tug

“She’d never voice it out loud but it was true.Elain Archeron was worried about Lucien Vanserra—her estranged mate whom she’s never even given the time of day.She could not stop worrying about him.Maybe it was the damned mating bond making her feel this way or maybe it was the fact that he was out risking his life because of her,but no matter how she much she tried to deny that gnawing feeling in her chest every time she thought of her mate—she couldn’t.”

What if when Lucien was gone and in the Mortal Lands,Elain was deathly worried about him and she decided to finally do something about it? (Hello acowar half-step)

Read on Ao3

Happy @elucienweekofficial!!

A week and 3 days.That’s how long it’s been since Elain’s mate had left to look for the sixth human queen.A week and 3 days since he’d volunteered to go to the Mortal Lands based off a vague vision Elain had.

It was a suicide mission.

It didn’t matter what Elain tried to tell herself,she could feel in her very bones that this was reckless and dangerous.A fool’s errand disguised as an act of heroism.A faerie lurking on mortal grounds was a death wish just begging to be granted and Lucien must have known that when he offered himself to this mission.Feyre and her friends surely knew that as well and yet they sent him out there anyway.To make matters worse Lucien was completely alone out there, none of the Inner Circle bothering  to accompany him.She knew Lucien wasn’t a priority to them,even discardable in their eyes,but how could they in their right mind agree to something so outrageous and senseless?

The Fae might be strong and powerful,but Elain had seen what Graysen’s family had prepared to fight and defend themselves against faeries.Humans were paranoid—the Nolans especially —but that only made them more susceptible to attack.They were loaded with ash arrows,swords,knives,daggers and a hundred other weapons Elain couldn’t name or remember.Grayson had shown her everything they’d hoarded over the years,his father’s hatred—or rather obsession—towards faeries infecting everything in the household. Including his son.Elain was sure that was Graysen’s feeble attempt at wooing her and she would’ve been impressed if it hadn’t all terrified her so much instead.And now with her mate all alone in a place where he’s seen as a monster,she truly was petrified.Gods he really is gonna die.The thought alone sent a cold shiver down Elain’s spine.

What is he even out looking for? A cursed human queen that turns into a firebird?

 Insanity.Absolute insanity.Whatever Elain had seen in her so called “vision” even she didn’t believe.So why her mate had decided to gamble his life based off a few words she uttered while in a haze,she had no idea.

What Elain did know was that she hated him.Hated him for putting himself in harms way just so he could what,impress her? This certainly had not impressed Elain.She knew he wished to be useful and wanted to aid in the war but his selflessness and desire to be helpful had left her worried sick.Having him here in the town house,whilst it made her feel odd and tingly all over,like her nerves were sparking electricity in her veins—was more tolerable than the pit of worry that had rooted itself in her stomach since he’d left.

She’d never voice it out loud but it was true.Elain Archeron was worried about Lucien Vanserra—her estranged mate whom she’s never even given the time of day.She could not stop worrying about him.Maybe it was the damned mating bond making her feel this way or maybe it was the fact that he was out risking his life because of her,but no matter how she much she tried to deny that gnawing feeling in her chest every time she thought of her mate—she couldn’t.

Every second of every day her mind played out a dozen different possibilities of what might be happening to him in the Mortal Lands,each one more terrifying than the last.She could not sleep at night.Not when every time she shut her eyes the only thing she could see was a rotten corpse with red hair.Not sleeping was easier she figured. But then those images haunted her throughout the day too.Tainting her every thought and there was nothing she could do to get out of her own head.

Nothing distracted her either.Not gardening,not baking.Nothing could get her to stop worrying.The dullness of the bond,throbbing endlessly in her ribcage only served as a reminder of her fears .It made focusing on anything other than the thought of Lucien near impossible.

Elain wanted to believe Lucien was fine.In the back of her mind,she knew he could handle himself.She had been told by Feyre that he was trained as a warrior,was good with a sword and knew how to kill if he needed to.She’d seen him with her very eyes stacked with weapons right before he left.She had wanted more than anything to stop him that day from walking out the door.She’d stood on those stairs like a ghost, endlessly psyching herself up and contemplating what she would say to him.But her feet were like stones weighing down her body,cementing her to the wooden steps beneath her.It was only when he turned around that she could move her limbs again but it was too late by then.Maybe if Lucien had seen the half step she took he would’ve never left.

He realistically should be fine,is what Elain keeps telling herself every time an irrational thought ate away at her conscience.But what if he was faced against a large group of humans armed with ash arrows? He probably wouldn’t stand a chance,would be taken out in mere minutes.Hell even a single skilled hunter could shoot an ash arrow right though his skull and kill him just like that.The images of a dead bloodied Lucien flashed in Elain’s mind for the tenth time this hour,earning an exasperated sigh from her throat.

This is how Elain has been for the past week and 3 days.Spiraling as she endlessly mulls over what feels like Lucien’s imminent death.Elain knew she was being absurd.Worrying herself ill about a stranger,a fae male for heaven’s sake,but the bond cared little for logic.

Elain knew she needed to do something to soothe her concerns.If she could just know for sure that Lucien was alive and safe,she’d finally be able to get a good night of sleep without that handsome scarred face occupying every space in her mind.

After some more time spent worrying in her garden,Elain had come up with a plan.A plan that relied solely on her ability to sound nonchalant and like she doesn’t care about the person she’s inquiring about.It was a very simple plan really.Elain was very casually gonna go up to Feyre and ask her if they’d heard anything from Lucien,merely because the Seer is curious if he’d found the firebird and her army that they desperately need for the war.The war is obviously what Elain is worried about,definitely not the red headed fire lord.It shouldn’t be too difficult to have a totally not suspicious conversation with her sister about the upcoming war.Sure,she’d never once seemed interested in the war or anything regarding Prythian but she’d turned over a new leaf.Or atleast that’s what Feyre was hopefully gonna believe.Hopefully.

With that plan set in Elain’s mind,she picked up her yellow skirts and made her way to the living room,quietly rehearsing her lines under her breath as she walked out of the garden.

******

Elain’s younger sister was seated on one of the couches,paper work sprawled all over her lap.Tension lined her delicate face and her brows were furrowed as she read the paper in her hand.Elain could only imagine what Feyre,now High Lady of the Night Court,must be dealing with when war was coming.

Nerves bubbled up in Elain’s gut as she approached Feyre,her hands sweaty as she fisted them at her sides.What if Feyre doesn’t know anything? Or worse she does know something and is hiding some very bad news—

“Elain?” Feyre’s voice startled the Seer out of her train of thoughts. “Are you alright? Do you need something?” Elain quickly realized she’d been standing there for far too long without having said anything.So much for appearing casual.

Elain forced a soft smile before answering,“Sorry.Yes, I’m alright.She smoothed out her skirts to busy her shaky hands,a nervous habit she developed as a little girl. “I just wanted to ask you something. Have you heard anything from— Lucien?” his name sounded awfully strange coming from her lips. She couldn’t recall if she’d said it more than once before. “Any news about finding the human queen?” the words spilled out from Elain more awkwardly and less confidently than she had hoped despite her best efforts to deliver the lines casually.She mentally cursed at herself for failing at the most crucial and significant part of the plan.It could only go downhill from here.

Feyre’s blue eyes widened slightly,revealing for a split second her surprise at Elain’s curiosity regarding Lucien.Elain couldn’t blame her sister for her reaction.She never talked about Lucien, never even said his name or acknowledged what he was to her.The room was silent for a moment,only the sound of Elain’s racing heart thrumming in her ears.The High Lady merely observed Elain and her was face contorted into an expression Elain couldn’t quite read.

Feyre began shaking her head as she spoke,her brown hair swaying with the subtle movement. “I’m sorry Elain we haven’t heard anything.With how far he is it’s practically impossible for me or Rhys to communicate with him.We won’t know anything until he comes back,” Feyre’s voice was clipped like she herself was worried about her old friend.

Elain’s heart seemed to drop more and more as Feyre uttered each word.We won’t hear anything until he comes back.Its impossible to communicate with him right now.A million questions were roaring inside Elain’s head,every worry and concern revealing themselves to be valid.If they couldn’t reach him how will they know if he’s okay? If he’s in danger and needs help? If he’s dead?

Panic was rising in Elain’s throat,spreading to every limb in her body rendering her unable to move let alone breathe.Her heart was thumping in her chest,beating so wildly she was sure Feyre could hear it.She could feel sweat begin beading on her temples and her sister’s gaze was a brand on her skin as she noted her every movement and expression.Elain quickly remembered to put up her mental shields.The last thing she needed was Feyre meddling in her head.

The air in the room was thick and Elain could only swallow,her tongue heavy in her mouth and her chest tight from what felt like a lack of oxygen circulating in her lungs.She needed to sit,maybe even cry or scream because Feyre’s answer only meant she’s stuck worrying about Lucien until he maybe came back.God the word maybemade Elain nauseous,her stomach twisting in on itself making her feel truly sick.

But under the scrutiny of her sister’s stare,Elain did what she’s always been good at.Evening her breaths, she threw on her sweetest smile—one she hoped looked sweet anyways— and willed her hands to stop shaking as she folded them at top of her skirts.She gave Feyre a small nod and before she could turn her back towards the door,Feyre spoke.Her voice much softer than she’d ever heard like she was terrified she’ll scare her sister away by what she’s about to say.Elain cringed at the cautiousness hidden behind Feyre’s every word and action.

“You know if you’re …worried about him,” she paused warily before continuing ,“you could use the mating bond to check on him .If you tug on it he’ll tug back to let you know he’s okay.”

“I’m not worried about him,” Elain replied too quickly and far too defensively to sound even slightly believable.So much for appearing nonchalant.She bit her lip to keep herself from saying another ludicrous thing and heat rose to her cheeks as she saw the curl of Feyre’s lips and that knowing look in her eyes.

She was a deer caught in the headlights.

Every feeling and thought Elain had meticulously concealed this past week suddenly felt like they were out in the open.Written all over her face,her skin,the walls of this room.She couldn’t stop rechecking her mental shields to make sure they were still in tact.

Feyre was silent for a heartbeat but Elain could tell she was carefully contemplating her next words,how to approach the situation—once again that wariness that made Elain’s skin itch from the inside out.The small smile on Feyre’s face did nothing to hide the disappointment and slight judgement that laced her next words. “Okay.Forget I said anything then.”

Elain knew her sister was dying to push and pry but thankfully she shifted her attention back to her paperwork, allowing Elain to walk away with dignity and grace.Barely.

******

Elain could not fall asleep.She’d laid down on her bed almost three hours ago and had been tossing and turning since,her body restless and filled with anxiety she couldn’t shake off.When she did by some miracle manage to fall asleep,it was no longer than a few minutes and her dreams were plagued by nightmares.A manifestation of her worries.

Growing frustrated,Elain reached for the faelight next to her bed and sat upright ,her back flush against the headboard and the covers bunched messily on her thighs.She dropped her head in her hands,digging her palms into her eyes as she felt a headache begin to from at her temples.A familiar result of all the overthinking and lack of sleep.Elain’s head was a jumble of worries and Feyre’s advice would not leave her mind.To tug on the mating bond to check on Lucien? That felt..Intimate.

Elain might not remember much from her time at the House of Wind —all the days blurred into a few hazy memories—but she could never forget the feeling of Lucien tugging on their mating bond for the first time.How strange it was,to have a complete stranger reach into her very soul and tug.Tug on that golden thread so intricately woven into her very being,the only bridge of connection tying her to her mate.She remembered how the bond seemed to delightfully hum in response.The way her body reacted to having him so close.The yearning and longing overpowering any sensible thought she had.How that single tug made her soul come back to life just for a moment.

In a flash though that feeling of clarity was gone and a deep sensation of guilt had hit her right below her ribs.When she’d stood up and observed Lucien’s strained face while he repeatedly apologized for startling her,she knew it was him she was feeling.He had accidentally sent a wave of his emotions down the bond.

Elain had no idea how mating bonds truly worked. She only knew the basics that Feyre had informed her of but it all seemed so unusual to her,so utterly fae.That only made her less interested in learning anything about the topic.However with the predicament she had found herself in,Elain wished she had asked more questions about what it meant to be mated to someone.

Despite her reluctancy and uncertainty surrounding the mating bond,Elain knew this was the only way.She could not bear to live in this constant state of worry any longer.The lack of sleep alone was bound to kill her at some point.And so she knew what she had to do…Well actually she had no idea what exactly she was supposed to do but hoped she’d instinctively figure it out.It shouldn’t be too hard.

Elain lifted her head from her hands,her eyes blinking rapidly before adjusting to the faint light in her room. She squared her shoulders and attempted to relax her body and calm her fidgety nerves.She tentatively closed her eyes again and began searching for that glowing tether pulsating almost painfully in her chest at her mate’s absence.She hated how the bond affected every aspect of her life now.How it made her feel things she didn’t want to feel.Things she shouldn’t be feeling.

The seer couldn’t stop the memories that began creeping up in her mind.Memories of that cursed day.The feeling of the bond was a trigger Elain couldn’t turn off.The unmistakable sensation of a mating bond snapping echoed in her mind as she seeked for the dormant bond aching in her ribs.She could still feel the bruising snap settling on her chest like a striking blow.She’d felt it as she came out the cauldron,the feeling of something so fundamental changing in her body.Her body was no longer hers though,burning and fuming from the inside out.Forever changed and altered against her will.

The bond had been a thunder lightning her every muscle, pulling and forcing her eyes to look at him.The second her brown eyes met his mismatched ones,her body seemed to immediately recognized what he was to her.Almost as if a piece of her had been missing and it was him.Even then she could feel his fear and confusion like they were her own,swirling and adding onto her own feelings of despair and anguish.She wondered if,in that moment,he had felt her too.

Elain quickly shook her head as if she could physically get the memories of that day out of her mind.Going down memory lane was not helping.Proving to be a hindrance with the way her headache was pounding.Like a child attempting to comfort themselves,Elain brought her knees to her chest and pulled the covers tight around herself.

She knew her resentment towards Lucien was unfair.He was not to blame for what happened to her that day.He didn’t choose to be her mate.She was thrown at him just as much as he was thrown at her,but Elain couldn’t help the memories that came with the mating bond,forever graved into her brain and etched onto her skin.

Focus Elain.

Elain closed her eyes once again and concentrated all her energy at the center of that bond,fighting the onslaught of painful imageries flashing in her mind.Her body was near  trembling,knees so tight against her chest they couldn’t physically be any closer.She didn’t dare open her eyes,continuing to reach deep within herself for that bond.With Lucien so far from the Night Court,the bond was an aching hollow pit in her chest.But still it was there.Faint and weak but there nonetheless.

A web of golden threads connected Elain and Lucien.Tangled ribbons wrapped themselves around Elain’s heartstrings,intertwining into the beating muscles at the core of her chest.Only a single thread was loose.Stretching far to reach and wrap around Lucien’s own heart.They were tied so thoroughly together,Elain realized.The bond intricately knotted around their bodies and the spirits of their beings.Destining their souls in every way possible.The bond was as integral as the blood running through their veins and Elain didn’t believe there was any separating the two.She and the bond were one.Her and Lucien two halves that will eternally yearn for each other.

She didn’t want to dwell on that any further.

Elain pulled on the invisible string unfolded around her heart and tugged softly.The sensation was pronounced but more comforting than what she’d expected.Like a tickle to her skin or a brush against her cheek.The bond sparked in response,sputtering giddily as if it was starving for any kind of attention.At Elain’s hesitant tugs,the bond seemed to glow and hum serenely under her ribcage,the feeling strangely fuzzy and overwhelming.She hoped that no matter the distance,Lucien would feel the tug.Would feel her worry and desperation through that bridge between their souls.

A minute or two passed and…nothing.Elain didn’t feel anything,not a tug back.Sweat began dripping down her back and her stomach was in knots,threatening to empty its contents at what the lack of response might mean.She didn’t give herself a chance to panic just yet,opting for tugging frantically on the bond when suddenly she felt it.

Lucien reaching out to her.Tugging much more gently on his end of the bond,like he was afraid to startle her like he once did.She could feel the tug pulsing at the very core of her being,her fingers tingling at the sheer intensity. A warmth spread through her chest and wrapped itself around her body as a surge of reassurances were sent down her way.Elain basked in the soothing reaffirmations Lucien conveyed through the bond,and she felt her pounding heart slow and her throbbing headache alleviate.

She could almost make out Lucien’s soft voice in her head telling her:I’m alive.Im okay don’t  worry about me.Maybe Elain really was losing it but she could swear she felt a gentle caress on her hand attempting to soothe her.

With her eyes shut so tightly,she could even make out slight images of Lucien sitting across a fire,his face illuminated by the light of the flame and cheeks stained red from the heat.He was smiling to himself or rather at someone.There was another person next to him,Elain realized.A human.She could tell by her rounded ears and the bruises marking her face.The woman had long copper hair and eyes so blue they were the only thing glowing amidst the shadow of the night other than that fire.Elain had never seen anything quite like them.

Although the human woman looked young, there was a certain regality to her,a sharpeness to her eyes as she stared at that fire with roaring intensity.No fear gleaming those eyes but rather familiarity.A connection.The firebird.

The realization hit Elain like a ton of bricks.Lucien had found the cursed human queen.

Elain almost squealed from happiness,her hands jumping to her mouth to keep herself quite.Lucien had really gone to the Mortal Lands all by himself with nothing but a few weapons on his back and had successfully found the human queen.And he truly was okay.Not shot by ash arrows or dead in a ditch somewhere.Alive and safe.Her mate was safe.The bond seemed to flicker at that thought.At that word.

A flush spread across Elain’s cheeks as she thought of everything she did just now but she couldn’t bring herself to care.Not when all her worries and concerns seemed to disappear replaced by blissful relief instead. She couldn’t help the smile that bloomed on her lips as she finally felt herself relax for the first time in a week.

Turning off her faelight and snuggling back into bed,Elain knew exactly who she’d be dreaming of tonight.And for once she was looking forward to seeing that handsome face again.

[ginsengkitten]

༺ Beautiful Dangerous༻

A slashxreader fanfiction

༺☆༻

Chapter One:

Tower Records

word count: approx.: 2900

Trailer/Moodboard here :)

☆ Authors Notes ☆

ty for reading. This is mostly a world building intro but I hope y’all like it :) - also I will be including photos and music that inspires or I felt matches each chapter, just for fun. This story takes place in some sort of fictional timeframe of 1984-86 ish when GNR had just started developing/finalizing their OG line up. I know not all the pics and timelines necessarily add up but this literally isn’t real so whatever!

Track list:

You really got me - The Kinks

Green Onions - Booker T. & the M.G.s

Foxey Lady - Jimi Hendrix

Your parents had shipped you out to your cousins home in the Hollywood Hills every summer since you were 10. The sprawling green hills sprinkled with Tuscan topped mansions upheld to excite you. Simply because there was so much more to be discovered outside of the ritz. This summer was going to be perhaps the best one yet, because now that you were turning 18, Uncle Rob would finally allow you to go down into the city for the first time.

Uncle Rob and Aunt Shena were the most uptight, stick up the ass, pair of individuals to bethrall the hills. You would think with the unceasing access to every pill, herb, and juice in Hollywood from Robs fancy job would have eased them up over the years; their long time neighbor, Dave, was one of the most sought out coke suppliers in the area - or at least that's what your cousin Daisy has told you- and Daisy liked to dramatize occasionally.... Daisy also says that her parents think too much ibuprofen could spell a trip to the confessional at church. This statement however was proven to be true because of the time Aunt Shena almost refused to give you a 50 mg Tylenol the time you had started your period in their guest bedroom.

Needless to say, it was in agreement with your own parents that you'd not be permitted to go down to the city until you were 18. "The city is where the devil preys on gods most vulnerable and precious spirits" Aunt Shena would recite this at least ten times throughout each summer visit, sure to remind you of the evil that lurked in the streets below. Most summer weeks were spent at the house, but it sure beat Indiana summers back home. Mondays were family nights at home, Tuesdays were beach days, Wednesdays were usually home days too but occasionally sailing on the family boat was allotted. You didn't have a boat back home in Indiana. Daddy's money was steady but not BOAT money steady. Plus it was Indiana- where would the sailing even take place? Lake Michigan?

Thursdays, the cinema would have discount movie matinees. If the film had been pre approved through the other moms in Aunt Shenas crochet circle, then she would take you and Daisy to go see it as a treat. Occasionally, Daisy would ask to use the restroom and you both would sneak into another screen room to peek at the other movies you weren't allowed to see, up until you accidentally snuck into a showing of 'The Evil Dead'. Both you and Daisy had nightmares for weeks and her parents couldn't figure out why, and no shot in hell would either of you admit what happened.

Daisy was fun and secretive like that. You appreciated her ability to lie straight to her parents face. Daisy liked to adventure a little bit more than what her parents would allow. Naturally she became versed in the art of bullshitting her parents.

Daisy was almost like a stranger to her parents. It was sad in a way but mostly just impressive. Daisy would steal cigarettes from her dad and stash them in her pencil case and sell them to the other girls in her church group. She also snuck out regularly, mostly to the local park to meet up with boys from school. She was brave. Real brave. She was cool. Real fucking cool. In fact, she was so cool and so brave, that she got the mastermind plan to steal her fathers Pontiac Firebird while he was away on business and Aunt Shena was knocked unconscious from her qualludes. (But god forbid ibuprofen right?).

"I don't know why I hadn't done this sooner!" Daisy bounced in the drivers seat like a mental patient. The engine cried out aggressively and the whole vehicle roared awake. There’s no way the entire street didn’t hear that. "And you're SURE your mother isn't going to find out? What about your daddy?" You pegged for final assurance from Daisy before becoming an accessory to theft. "Daddy won't ever know. You know why? Cuz' you remember Jeff from my church? He showed me how to roll back the odometer on a car in exchange for...well for never-mind but you don't gotta sweat about a thing Y/N. Now cut the square talk we gotta get to Tower Records before it closes!".

That's another thing Daisy kept secret. Her music. Daisy had a whole stack of vinyl records along with a record player, stashed under her bed. She would purchase raunchy records like Tina Turner and Cheap Trick, and slide them in the back of the more inconspicuous records like Chuck Girard and Bob Dylan. One of Daisy's boyfriends last summer had gifted her an Aerosmith record. Daisy played it for you once and that's how you first learned what rock music was. Some kind of bug bit you then. You itched to hear more, but between the uber cult of Daisy's parents and your own sheltered family back in indiana, who were perpetually trapped in the era of disco music, rock music was hard to come by. Rock music was foreign to you but felt familiar. You'd never felt a craving for sound before hearing it. So when Daisy devised to steal her dads car to go visit Tower Records in the city, you shoved all notion of "evils that lurk below" and the two of you ripped down to the sunset strip.

-

It wasn't that you weren't adventurous too. You could be if you wanted to. You were just too busy to be bothered with mischief like Daisy. While you believed yourself to be an open minded individual, it was clear Aunt Shenas repeated affirmations of danger sat in the back of your mind, welling up further and further to the forefront while the lights of the city glittered closer and closer into view.

"Wow wow wow Y/N...look at it all right? You seein this?" Daisy's eyes glazed over as the neon lights poured over the Pontiac. It was like nothing you had ever seen before. Or her. Daisy had only made it down to the city a handful of times but never at night. Each building had its own neon get up signage. Loads of people strolled the night street. It was busy! Your heart pounded in your chest a little bit. Fear and excitement all in one. You couldn't take your eyes off the passing sceneries. You tried to take it all in. Burger joints you had seen a million commercials for bustled with crews of hot rods parked in the parking lots, engines proudly displayed. Beautiful women leaning into the windows of old rusty cars, hung out on the darker corners in big groups for some reason. Was everyone down here revolting against wearing clothes?

"Tower Records baby!" Daisy sang as she pulled into the parking lot. Huh. It wasn't really a tower like the name had suggested. Rather a dingy stand alone strip mall off the corner of the strip. The disappointing reality shocked you back to your more cautious senses. If anyone finds out we're here we're totally busted.

You stepped out of the car and a wall of hollywoods finest scents burned your nose. The air down here wasn't like the air in the hills. Air can't be so different like that can it? "God I hope they have the new Cyndi Lauper release." Daisy said, pushing into the store door with her back.

The door chirped out a small out of tune "ding!" To notify the staff of the new and completely out of element customers entering. Two scrawny flower fresh girls in inconspicuous uniform-like attire, looking plain and straight as an arrow. The saying "bull in a China shop" but as if curiously reversed "China in a bull shop". Daisy somewhat fit the bill better but you-you did not look hip enough to be in a record store, or the state of California. Even if it was a dingy strip mall. Which made you all the more nervous.

A few other customers sleuthed the aisles, clearly regulars. You tried to stay out of everyone's way while you tried to keep track of Daisy darting into the vinyl labyrinth. You scanned the sea of music. Tracing your fingers along the spines of sleeves. So much rock music! You glanced around to see Daisy already chatting up one of the grungy male employees. Your eyes caught a gorgeous vibrant yellow sleeve and you plucked it out. 'Are you experienced' by Jimi Hendrix.

You'd heard of him you think. Maybe on the news somewhere? He seems like a big rocker name.

You made your way over to the front corner  of the store by the check out where they had open record players where customers could play records and listen to new samples. You held the album in your hands and stared at its dazzling colors. Almost spellbound until;

"Foxey Lady."

The sudden voice snapped you out of your trance and you looked around. Suddenly catching the cashier at the empty register. Did HE say that? To ME? You hesitated to question if he spoke to you. He seemed like the type to cause trouble. Was this a cat call? Is this what cat calling is? One time mother had been cat called in front of a sears and daddy found the man who did it and really gave him a reaming. She warned you about dirty and dangerous men in the streets who call women obscenities for fun. What jerk cat calls a young woman shopping at their own store?

"Excuse me…?" You questioned.

"The record." He pointed to your hands gripping the yellow vinyl.

"Foxey lady. It's the best song on that album." He connected. Your eyes glance back down at the track list and sure enough 'Foxey Lady' was spelled out. Your face suddenly blooms pink in embarrassment as you look back up to him. That's not what you were expecting from this guy.

He leaned his back against the wall behind the counter. It was impossible to tell if he was looking at you because his eyes were protected from a curtain of thick, pretty dark curls and sunglasses….indoors….at night. His arms crossed coolly. He had an aura of mischief about him. He was almost like a ghost. Dressed in all black leather. You'd never seen someone dressed in only black clothes before. Maybe he was a rocker type too.

"Oh..uh….I'll need to give it a listen then." You replied politely and cordially with a nervous smile, averting his face to hide your obvious embarrassment. You became slightly flustered. He didn't drop his attention towards you. You start to fiddle with the record, somehow losing your sense of coordination because you were being watched. Suddenly the record isn't lining up correctly. The lid almost clamps on your hand but something catches it and spares your fingers. You look up again and he's now in front of you, acting like some sort of hero. An intense mixture of tobacco, rubbing alcohol and an almost sweet musk surrounds you. You now see that he is in fact looking at you. You stare at him like a deer in headlights. Stunned, embarrassed and confused at how he managed to sneak his way over to you so quickly. "Here, I'll play it for you." His lips curl up slightly into an almost sickeningly lovely smirk. He places his hand upon yours and kindly removes it out of the way. You step aside and allow him to continue, still stunned and nervous.

Not only had your heart already been on high alert from the firebird thievery, a guy was now in your direct personal space. A potentially dangerous guy. Well no- he wasn't cat calling you after all right? And he just helped you and? He is sort of nicer than you expected. He just seems so...cool?

All up in your personal space. It wasn't like you were a prude! You'd kissed a boy before! Even held hands too. Granted the kiss was on the cheek. But this guy just kind of....took over. His presence was so laid back and yet demanded the attention of the room. It was hard not to want to stare back at him. You wanted to better analyze this predator/prey situation here. If he's so dangerous, why is he being so kind? It took one glance at him up close and you were starting to call bullshit on Aunt Shena's precautions altogether. You'd been in the city for almost an hour and remained entirely unscathed.

Your hand still felt electric from his touch. His eyes only briefly detaching from you to put the record on.

A funky rock ensemble flowed out of the record. The same type of musical pleasure you had heard from the Aerosmith record, revisited your body. A rougher, harder groove than what's on the radio. It was melodic and fierce. The guy redirected himself to you once more. Watching you for your reaction to the song. You nervously nod your head to the beat, meeting his gaze. Once you connect sights, your stomach jumps in a swirl. Butterflies soar in circles inside you. This oddly intimate interaction but you couldn't seem to pull away. Almost spellbound yet again but for an entirely different feeling.

He began mouthing the lyrics, still staring back at you over a sea of tension thick air.

'You know you're a cute little heartbreaker'

Your face is rushing hot. It was almost like he was intentionally singing these words to you.

'And you know you're a sweet little love maker'

He smirked at this one. You turned now what you must have assumed was red with embarrassment. You break your gaze and look down at your shoes and then glance around the shop to locate Daisy. The shop was mainly now empty as the night had grown in. Daisy could still be found giggling away with another boy in the far end of the store. Your heart fluttered rapidly. You suddenly feel the air in front of you grow warmer. Looking back he had stepped closer to you and space between you had shrunk. He continues.

'I wanna take you home-

I won't do you no harm'

He held a smug look on his face as his lips mouthed these totally obscene lyrics to you. Like he knew it was not something you'd ever heard before. Your naïve shock seemed to entertain him.

'You got to be all mine, all mine'

Ooh Foxey Lady.'

"You dig it?" He asked still holding a smirk. "Definitely" You admit all too quickly. He give a slight breathy chuckle. Your sure answer when you had seemed so unsure about everything else til then was cute to him. A gal who was on board for rock n roll was nothing but perfection to him. But you didn't look the part, and that amused him. Your light floral scent drifted sweetly around him, he was unable to ignore you as soon as you had walked in and he had watched your every move. A nervous animal. Timid and clearly not someone he had seen in before. The girls that normally perused Tower Records were hot but they were rough around the edges. You- you were something sweet…something different altogether he thought. You were like a breath of fresh air to him. What's that saying...opposites attract?

"You like it so much you can have it." He said, his voice a lower octave.

"Oh well I was thinking of buying something el-" you started to politely object.

"No. " he laughs at your oblivion. "Just take it. It's yours." He pushes it into your hands. You're a little in shock once more just at the thought of stealing? Twice in one night? You really like the record and you would love to own it...but. You look around nervously.

"Here Foxey, All you." He firmly asserts it into your grasp, lets go and begins to walk back behind his counter.

"Y-you could get into trouble for this you know." You point out with concern for this kind stranger. He waves you off with his hand. "we're closing miss, you'll have to get." busying himself in false cashiering practices he had probably never paid attention to until now. Daisy meets you mid store. She hardly notices the record in your hands or the insane cashier who just let you steal from his store. "I've just met the cutest boy, Y/N! And he’s in his own band! I'll tell you on the way back. “ She giggled. “Let's get sodas maybe too if some where's open." Daisy ushered you to the door, blind in her own personal thrills to notice you looking back over your shoulder to meet the gaze of the cashier once more, who to your delight had removed his sunglasses, already staring back at you, watching you leave. He gave you another sly smile and you returned one of your own, forming some sort of mutual pact of this secret.

Why did he think you would keep this a secret? Why did he trust you like that? You were going to after all, but how did he know?

Doesn’t he care about getting in to trouble?

[mariaspir]

I’m just going to say it: I really like Maria Khoreva in swan lake. BUT. Is she just going to be odette/odile for the rest of her life?? Like recently she’s done a Kitri and two Mashas and then just SWAN LAKE. It seems she’s being doing and rehearsing swan lake since she debuted it.

There are a lot of variables in this.

The most obvious one is the recent chain of injuries she has suffered, which did set her back imo. She was getting 1 or 2 performances every week, and that was obviously too much. So I find the fact she's cast less frequently a net positive, she has the time to rehearse everything, but also time to rest and hopefully avoid more injuries.

Another thing is, she's still young. They cast her into everything too soon, and she didn't always deliver. Masha is a technical standout, but she needs time to find her interpretation. Case in point is how her Odette and Kitri have improved dramatically since her debuts, which is very natural and to be expected. In her first 4-5 years she did Aurora, Raymonda, Kitri, Odette, Giselle, Nikiya, Shyrin, Paquita, Medora, Masha... it's a lot of different characters that each needs time to flesh out. Even easy acts like Masha in the Nutcracker need time, especially if you are on the shyer side. I believe that as she grows artistically and matures as a person she will gain her repertoire back, plus some (she's currently rehearsing Juliette). Which again, is not a bad thing. For me, some of the roles she was given like Nikiya should never be given to a girl fresh out of school, what do you expect her to do with it? How much can a teenager act about something they've never experienced? Unless you have Meryl Streep graduating from VBA.

Another thing, Mariinsky rep is atm kinda limited. A lot of their more interesting and new ballets have been frozen because of the war. They try to make it up by adding Soviet or new Russian choreographers' works (Anyuta, Stone Flower, Coppelia, Bronze Horseman, Fairy's Kiss) but it's not necessarily best suited for Khoreva. I'd love to see her in Symphony in C (1st part), Midsummer Night's Dream, Little Humpabcked Horse. She needs parts that have a lot of technical difficulty and a bit less acting, but not no acting at all. She also needs something close to her character, from the new productions, I think Coppelia would be best. Idk when she will do Juliette, but with a strong Romeo and enough time to get into character, she could be a great Juliette.

But again, you have to ease people into these things. If you give her Anna Karenina tomorrow, she'll be lost. But in 5 years with the right coaching (which she seems to be getting these days), she can do it. I don't think she'll be a Firebird or Zarema, but that's not a bad thing. Shakirova and Batoeva have never done Raymonda, Tereshkina and Skorik have never done Shyrin, Kondaurova has never done Kitri(? not listed in her repertoire), Novikova has never done Medora, but her they all are.

[stargirlie25]

How I feel about Vassien and Elriel  🙄

Elriel:

Hate this ship for the following reasons

Elain has always been full of light and does not belong in the NC or at least Feyres court.

Azriel is darkness and shadows, something that Elain wants to chase away in her darkest times.

Azriel has been silently in love with someone for centuries waiting for a mate.

He clearly already believes he is not worth anything with Mor and now with Elain. *SJM loves growth* *that's not growth* He feels unworthy of holding Nyx possibly because of his hands. Same bullshit with Elain.

You can't say not feeling like you deserve your partner is a pattern because Rhysand and nessian. First of all, Rhys felt unworthy of feyre because he did horrible shit to her. Nessian said horrible shit to each other. Therefore they feel unworthy. Azriel has done nothing to Elain yet he feels unworthy to ''taint her with his presence'' HE FEELS UNWORTHY OF HER BECAUSE OF HIS OWN TRAUMA. His job (torturing people and spying) while he said to Cass that it suits him. Hell even Mor feared his ruthless side and Elain has never seen it. Gwyn has seen him acting violently. She was assaulted and Azriel came in and did not hesitate to rip them apart. Then he wrapped Gwyn in his cloak. Does Gwyn fear him? Nah. Last I remember, she was broadly smiling at him during the winter solstice.

Or the fact that their relationship would have to be a secret and they would not be able to showcase it like their peers. That both of them have been hiding from different things all their life and they continue to do so? It would break them. LIKE GOD NO ONE CARES IF THE TROPE IS FORBIDDEN LOVE IF THE CHARACTERS ARE MISERABLE FROM THE GET-GO.

Generally the worst pairing along with Vassien

His shadows chose to vanish around her (just like Mor)

they would have to be a secret which would break her and him. (just like silently loving Mor did to him)

He feels unworthy of his trauma and generally around her (like Mor)

His character is the worst when it comes to Elain. He wants to kill a person for Elain for no good reason. (just like Mor)

He wants a mate (which is fine) and Elains reason for not wanting Lucien was because the mate aspect is not because of Lucien.

He simply pleasured himself to fucking her and that was it.

Rhysand who said Elain will be supported if she rejects the mating bond declines Az of pursuing Elain (relax Rhys he just wants to fuck her) and goes on to say in defense of Elucien that Lucien is fiercely loyal and has all rights to call a blood duel.

His sole reason for wanting to kiss her was because ‘’3 sisters and 3 brothers’’ and calling Elain the third as if she could be anyone but his argument would still stand.

Gives away the necklace he got for her because she returned it and feels good about it.

Vassien:

*Disclaimer: I do not hate Vassa in any way. I LOVE HER because I love the band of exiles*

I fucking hate this ship so much.JUST SAY YOU WANT LUCIEN OUT OF THE WAY! STOP BEING A PUSSIE AND SHIPPING A SIBLING LIKE RELATIONSHIP! LUCIEN FOUND FRIENDS. CAN HE PLEASE HAVE FRIENDS OR ARE YOU GOING TO SHIP HIM WITH EVERYONE TO GET HIM OUT OF THE WAY?

First of all the famous ''BiRd Of FLaME aNd LoRd OF FiRe''

Vassa being a bird of flame is her curse. One of the reasons her character and plot exists in the first place.

''I had not forgotten her plea to me that night after the last battle with Hybern. To break the curse that kept her human by night, firebird by day''

Lucien will be Lord of day and everybody in the Autumn hates him :( so I guarantee he does not want that title especially because he does not even want his last name. Eris is Lord of fire though.

Or Lucien blushing around Vassa. Noooooo. He was once again blushing because of Elain.

The scene:

''Not for long—not if Vassa has anything to do with it.``''You sound like an acolyte.” Lucien blushed, glancing at Elain. “She’s got a foul temper and a fouler mouth.” He cut me a wry look. “You’ll get along just fine.”

I nudged him in the ribs.''

This scene alone proves two things.

Lucien was blushing because feyre said he sounded like an acolyte In front of Elain and he blushed because being an acolyte is like worshiping

Lucien sees Vassa and Feyre in the same light. Although feyciens not endgame 🙄

Also the spark in Lucien's eye and a twitch of his lips.

The scene:

“Jurian ...” Lucien blew out a breath, scanning the carved wood ceiling above. “Thank the Cauldron for him. I never thought I’d say that, but it’s true.” He ran a hand through his silken red hair. “He’s keeping everything running. I think he’d have been crowned king by now if it wasn’t for Vassa.” A twitch of the lips, a spark in that russet eye.''

This is not a romantic gesture, this is an example of Lucien being amused by Vassa and Jurians dynamic. The spark alone is not even romantic even if it was solely directed at Vassa. Its recognition. Just like how Elain's eye sparked when seeing Lucien because she recognizes him. Amarantha's eye sparked when she realized that Rhysand was jealous of Tamlin and Feyre kissing. This literally could be him recognizing something between Jurian and Vassa. That Jurian could be king but the only force stopping him is Vassa.

Lucien lost his Lover,friend,and best friend-Jesminda,Feyre,Tamlin

Its safe to say that Jurian is his true best friend,Vassa is his true friend, Elain is his true mate/love.

Another thing E/riels like to say about Vassien is that Vassa can be immortal for Lucien or Lucien will become human

First of all, Lucien's role as heir to the day court is highly important in the upcoming books. Helion and Eris being featured so much in ACOSF was not for nothing. Also speaking about Beron and Tamlin? All linked to Lucien. All links to an Elucien book.

Coming back to Vassa:

'A once-proud queen—still proud, yes, but desperate to reclaim her freedom.Her human body. Her kingdom.

Saying she will be Faerie for Lucien is unfair to Vassas character. Once again Lucien's place at the Day court is very important and do you think Vassa would move in with him there? Leave her kingdom?

Ms girl is DESPERATE for her human body. She wants to be free. She does not want to be in Faerie realms. She has her site set and her goal.

Bye i could literally talk about this for hours and publish a whole novel but to sum it up i hate elriel and vassien (its the same thing) and this whole post has the reasons why!

[fiddleabout]

(previously on grishava and the druskelle who fell in love with her)

“Ava.”  

Beatrice’s voice sounds behind her, calm amongst the storm of Lilith and Camila and the Solday Sol all fighting to hold off the volcra and the nichevo’ya, calm like the darkling isn’t moments away from killing them all, calm like she has been since the day they found out that she always the firebird, always the third amplifier, always made to die at Ava’s hand, and Ava’s eyes close without her permission.

“No.”  She doesn’t turn, doesn’t open her eyes.  “I’m not--”

“You have to.”  Beatrice is in front of her suddenly, hands on her shoulders, then the side of her neck, her cheeks.  Thumbs stroke over her cheekbones and Ava’s breath tangles in her chest, hands curling around Beatrice’s wrists.  “It’s the only way to stop him.”

“No.”  Ava shakes her head, fingers latching too tight around Beatrice’s wrists, and wrenches her eyes open.  “I won’t--”

“You have to,” Beatrice says softly.  Without her druskelle uniform she could almost be anyone, a Ravkan girl without a destiny who Ava could build a home and a life with, someone with a quiet future and a long life ahead of her instead of a sacrificial end.  Someone who isn’t the firebird, someone who Ava doesn’t have to sacrifice to save the rest of the world.  “You know you have to end this.”

Someone screams, a Soldat Sol or one of the darkling’s oprichniki-- there’s no telling who-- but Ava barely hears it because one of Beatrice’s hands has dropped from her face and produced a blade.  There’s a wolf’s head carved into the hilt, the only piece of Fjerda Beatrice had been unwilling to part with, a token to her old life that she’d fashioned to accompany the grisha steel blade that the fabrikators had made for her in her role as Ava’s protector, her partner, the one who stood at her back time and again throughout this war.

Beatrice pries one of Ava’s hands away from her own wrist, never looking away.  There’s a wistful set to her mouth, a stubborn glint in her eyes, as she wraps first one, then the other, of Ava’s hands around the hilt and turns the blade towards her own chest.  Her hands, familiar and calloused and steady, cover Ava’s and lock them in place.

“No,” Ava says again, and again, cracking and desperate, her hands shaking.  Beatrice is steady, like always, holding the blade in place where it’s tilted up, perfectly positioned to slide between her ribs and up behind her sternum, straight into her own heart.  “Beatrice--”

“Jer molle pe oonet,” Beatrice says, Fjerdan rolling off her tongue, and Ava’s entire body rebels.  

“Don’t you dare,” she grinds out, seething, fury overwriting the gaping horror at the fact that Beatrice is right and Ava’s always known it, that without the third amplifier she can’t stop the darkling, can’t tear down the fold, can’t deliver Ravka from the unsea and the volcra and the crippling darkness it’s been mired in for centuries.  Ava knows that it’s Beatrice or the rest of the world, but even knowing it can’t make her push the dagger forward.  “We’ll find another--”

“Jer molle pe oonet,” Beatrice says again, the druskelle oath a promise and an apology, a goodbye Ava isn’t ready to accept yet. A thumb strokes along the tension in Ava’s hands, an uncharacteristic tremble making itself known.   “I have been made to protect you, Sankta Ava.”

Her eyes shine and Ava’s fingers itch to touch, to thumb away the tears starting to leak out over a constellation of freckles Ava has long since memorized, but Beatrice’s grip is too strong.  Light burns in Ava’s hands, under her skin, the power in her bones reacting to the ache in her chest, as if the same power that got them to this point can save her from having to sacrifice Beatrice.  

She smiles, small and stubborn and sad, and Ava’s chest cracks open at the sight of it.  “I wish we’d had more time,” Beatrice says softly.  “But I’m happy to have known you, Ava Silva.”

“Beatrice,” Ava says, wavering and breaking.  If Beatrice had called her saint again, had offered herself to a title instead of a person, Ava might have found a way to stop it, to throw the blade away, to throw it all away, but Beatrice says her name like a benediction offered, a promise she wants to fulfill, and it shatters in Ava’s chest and freezes her in place.  Her eyes burn from the desert sands whipping around them, Lilith’s power shielding them from the fight.

Beatrice nods once and then tightens her hold on Ava’s hands.  She breathes in, visible, audible, holding the breath in her lungs, and closes her eyes, tilts her head towards the glow of Ava’s power as it surrounds them.  Ava gathers light desperately in her chest,in the hands locked around the hilt of the dagger and in Beatrice’s hold, as if this time she can burn bright enough on her own to tear down the fold.

“You can always find me in the dark,” Beatrice says, a promise she can’t possibly keep, eyes glinting in the warmth of Ava’s light.  A broken pathetic noise cracks in Ava’s throat, and Beatrice nods once and then yanks, driving the dagger into her own chest.

Beatrice coughs, once, blood in her teeth, and collapses.  Ava falls with her, drowning in a shrieking screaming noise that surely can’t possibly be coming from her own mouth.  Blood spills out of Beatrice’s chest, warm and terrible, and Ava barely manages to crumple in time with Beatrice’s dying body, to get one bloody hand behind her head and cradle it on the way down, as if Beatrice isn’t dead before she hits the ground.

Heat wells in Ava’s veins, in her bones, pouring into her palms and aching to escape, a cataclysm of pain and loss and fury ready to erupt, because Beatrice is dead and Ava’s the one who killed her.  

Her scream as she crouches over Beatrice’s body distracts Lilith, and the whirlwind around them falters for just a moment, just long enough for a nichevo’ya to dive shrieking towards them; Ava barely notices the way it evaporates with a screech when it gets close.  The light builds and builds and builds, a crescendo with no endpoint in sight, heating until the pain of it under her skin nearly overwhelms the pain at the fact that Beatrice is dead, and then explodes out of her.

[acourtofthought]

Your posts about Vassa almost always end up pitting her against Elain, and implying that she’s lesser than her, or not good enough for Lucien. You insinuate that Elain is a much more desirable woman, when the reality is, Elain is easily the character people in the fandom dislike the most - often even more than Tamlin. Even a good chunk of Gwynriel’s dislike (or are neutral towards) Elain.

Even Lucien seems more fond of Vassa, and the beauty is: he doesn’t need a pre-arranged, non-consensual, mating bond to want to save Vassa, or to laugh with her, or to want to live with her. Lucien and Vassa are pulled together of their own volition.

And what happens when Vassa becomes a more prominent character in future books? SJM has spoken about wanting to retell the Vasilisa, firebird and Swan Lake fairytales. Her Pinterest board reflects this. Gwyn became a fan favorite in just one book… the same can happen with Vassa. Given what we’ve seen of her personality so far (confident, brave, carefree), I’d say that would happen very easily.

And consider this: as I just mentioned, SJM is planning a Vasilisa, firebird and Swan Lake retelling. This is very clearly about Vassa… so why would she just be a side character in someone else’s book?

Thus, the only way for Vassa’s story to be told is her as the main character, alongside Lucien — a character readers have been familiar with since book 1, and who everyone knows and loves. In comparison… most casual readers would have no idea who Jurian is (or just remember him as the abusive, stalkerish, eye guy - does anyone even want to read about him as a love interest? 🥴).

A Vassa x Jurian novel is unlikely. A Vassa x Lucien novel, however, would make sense. 😏

So what I'm to understand is a side character can't have their story told in someone else's book?

That's so weird then, how Sarah made sure to include in the actual book a phrase stating how Gwyn's story is worth telling yet somehow she can't have her own book according to e/riels because she is and only ever will be a side character!

And you're right, my posts end up "pitting Vassa against Elain" because my posts are typically in response to those such as yourself coming here trying to prove why Vassa is better for Lucien than his own mate. It doesn't matter if the fandom would date her, it matters who her best match in this fictional world is.

Also, I think she's doing just fine with her desirability in the series considering who her two love interests have been 🤦

But my posts are not pitting Vassa and Elain against one another as individuals, they're explaining why Elain is in fact better for Lucien than Vassa. Pointing out how it's Elain he looks at with longing, not Vassa.

I'm fairly sure if I was oh so lucky to look over your page and liked posts you'd have plenty on there pitting Lucien against Azriel.

Come now, please don't honestly think you can insult my intelligence with your gaslighting.

I think many struggle with Elain's character but that is typically a byproduct of the ship war and how some Gwynriels have been forced to choke down a version of Elain that doesn't actually exist in canon.

People don't actually like Vassa more than Elain because many don't think much about her as a real contender for Lucien's affections. They don't think much on her outside of the very specific role she's played so far.

It's easy to like or feel neutral towards a one dimensional side character because that's really all Vassa is right now. They accept her as being there and accept her as someone who isn't a villain just as they accept Viviane as being there and not a villain but that doesn't mean they actually adore Vassa and can't wait for her to receive a main pov to the point that they want her story with Lucien over an Elucien one.

And yes, SJM is building to something, she's clearly been cursed by Koschei but guess what? Dorians father was cursed by a Valg prince and played an enormous role in the TOG series yet he never took off as anything more than a side character either. He never received a book or his own pov.

If you haven't noticed, SJM already explored the Firebird fairytale when she wrote about Vassa's curse. Some seem to think Sarah goes into a lot of depth with her retellings but she's on record calling them a retelling "light". How much of Hades and Persephone was obvious for Feysand? How much of Beauty and the Beast Feyre and Tamlin? TOG was Cinderella, was it obvious?

She does not need to dedicate an entire book with a Vassa pov for her to explore the fairytale to the depth which she explores most fairytales. Vassa is already written to have a "Russian" accent and we know of her curse which will be broken by someone other than her and probably not Lucien considering neither Helion or Feyre could detect a spell to be broken.

Lucien is not pulled to Vassa of own violation, he went because he had no where else to go:

And if you think it's more beautiful for a couple to be together without a bond than (come a little closer, I want to tell you something) ACOTAR IS NOT FOR YOU - SJM IS A FATED MATES AUTHOR!).

If you don't think fated mates makes for a beautiful love story than what the fuck are you doing here?

And to your point, if a side character can become a fan favorite in one book than why can't Vassa and Jurian receive their own book one day? Where Jurian, also a side character and Vassa have their own love story in the ACOTAR series?

Also, does it matter if Elain is a fan favorite when Sarah seems to like her considering she is on record saying Elain will be getting her own book, how she likes to garden like Elain and would be best friends with Elain in real life? (Nesta wasn't a fan favorite before SF and Sarah said she knew people weren't going to like her yet that's the story she felt she wanted to tell).

Why would the author take a character who could be a best friend in real life, mate her to a male who she wrote to be like Jamie Fraser and who Sarah has also said is one of her favorites yet give them a broken bond that will trail them for their entire lives just so Lucien can end up with a human who literally does not have any interest in the fae world and pays more attention to Jurian because of all the "at each other's throats" bickering they do? That doesn't sound very happy for Lucien at all.

Also, no one knows who Jurian is? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

You're joking, right?

Jurian who was in book 1, who was resurrected in book 2 and "worked" for the King, shot an ash arrow through Az, was there when the sisters were turned, played a prominent role in Spring in ACOWAR, turned out to be a double agent, that Jurian??? The Jurian who was in the war with Mor and Rhys 500 years ago? The Jurian who had way more page time than Vassa yet you think people don't know who he is? The Jurian who shares the same vision as Vassa for leading the humans. The one who is iconic for sitting on a pink couch. The Jurian who would be crowned King because he's keeping everything running and Lucien says he's thankful for him?

You're right, I've got no clue who that guy is. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Penny for your thoughts, if Vassa was clearly meant to have a book with Lucien, than why do you suppose SJM said this?

The second book had to be Elain's at this time, correct? Because in that exact same interview she wrote how she'd already done research for Elain's book. And she was "keeping the door open after that".

That means Vassa was never guaranteed to get her own book. That logically means Koschei was always going to be resolved in the book after Nesta's because she wouldn't just keep him hanging unresolved in the background while she decided who she'd write about after Elain's book.

I guess Sarah never planned on putting as much effort into that Firebird fairytale as you seem to be trying to convince yourself.

[mystarsacastle]

Why Ozai is not a bad character

This seems like an outrageous take but hear me out.

My first topic of discussion is how horrible ozai's childhood must have been. His father was Azulon and the way he treated Zuko and Azura was probably has a direct correlation to how his own childhood must have been. Like that scene where his dad slapped for spilling a cup of water. He also has burns all over his body from his father, you just don't see them in the show. Or the comics. Trust me. Because there's evidence that clearly points to this.

Second, about Zuko's whole scar. 13 year old Zuko is a known deceptive, manipulative, evil worm. Think about how quickly he switched sides from the "evil" side to team avatar (suspicious). Also, it's so obvious that his scar is fake and that he reapplies it every morning and night. You can even see cosmetics in the background, and there's one scene where it's not even on his face. like could they have made it any more obvious, yet all you LOVE manipulative and lying Zuko.

Next let's talk about URSA. OH MY GOD URSA. When firebird ozai threatened to mistreat Zuko to Ursa, he was just trying to defend himself from his evil manipulative child to his equally manipulative wife. She mistreated her children and him and escaped the second she saw the chance, without a second thought towards her family. Also, the thing that's most ignored by this ignorant fandom, is how she threatened his parents that she would release fire nation noble secrets unless she could marry their son, Ozai, who was terrified of her. Also, the way he proved his love by sacrificing his own parents for her in the comic "North and South".

For Azula, I think it goes without saying how insane Azula is, not to mention how ungrateful she is towards her father in the last episode after she's made firelord even though she's not even that talented, Ozai's words not mine. Ozai also had a good reason to mistreat Azula, seeing how much she mistreated the one he loved, Mai. Even in Azula's childhood she would lie to her parents, even her father even though he clearly cared about her and was a very good parent.

Not much can be said about Iron, considering we don't see much of their relationship. Consider how negligent and uncaring Iron was towards his brother after he lost his nephew, Lu Ten. Iron instead used this to bring attention to himself. He also betrayed Ozai, putting his manipulative nephew Zuko over his own brother.

Next is Mai, she lied to the firelord to get on his good side, and in the end just betrayed him to go with Zuko and avatar. Mai might be the worst character in the show, seeing as she betrayed not only one of her closest friends, but also Ozai, the man who truly loved her. Not to mention, the only reason she liked Zuko was because he joined the avatar and she believed his side would win in the end. Because all she ever cared about was making herself look good.

AANG!! Despite the fact that he had unresolved feelings for the firelord, he still took down his love and deep down should feel ultimately guilty.

Finally, Ozai is extremely attractive. Let's start with his lovely, clear skin and his high sculpted cheekbones and beautiful glossy olive skin. Not to mention his beautiful golden shining eyes, sculpted into the perfect almond shape. He was especially attractive in the New live action. Considering his beautiful ribbed abs, his long Lucious, black locks, and even in the final battle how he still looks put together and attractive and HOT.

We need to talk about one final point, how he just wanted his kingdom and his people to be the best it could possibly. All of his actions were just him looking out for his people. He mistreated some people but he could have been a lot worse. And he was a good king. He's just very patriotic in his love for Agni kai, his people, and the color red. and bonfires. and birds. He especially loved the beautiful sight of grey smoke falling over the beautiful, white, melting snow whenever he attacked the southern water tribe.

Also he is a good king.

Thank you for coming to my ted talk

[cilil]

wait wait wait, it took me so long (i was binge-reading all your fics hehe) to realize the romeo-and-juliet type of relationship eonwe and gothmog have going on. its even better because tolkien once envisioned gothmog and eonwe to be the children of melkor and manwe so them meeting up secretly is sooooooo sweet but heartbreaking, like they are on opposite sides, and they know they'll eventually fight each other. but gothmog died first, so how did eonwe handle that. imagining him trying to live after gothmog's death is just asdkjakdakds

You're too sweet❤️❤️❤️

And yes, this is what really sucked me in too once I realized it! We (my friends and I) started out seeing Firebird as more of a crack ship or something that's maybe hot for smut, but then we realized the old Lost Tales connection and the doomed, tragic love and the parallels between them and... everything.

In a weird way, Gothmog falling in Gondolin was mercy for them both. Otherwise a confrontation during the War of Wrath would've been pretty much inevitable, especially if Gothmog had once again been ordered to go after the Elven kings (Eönwë can't just let him kill Finarfin and it's not like he's that terrible of a friend either). They would've fought each other, knowing that they have orders and that the other knows and understands this as well.

As for what the outcome of that fight would've been, I'd say 70-80% in Eönwë's favor, with this being a sort of average between "they duel and it's just them" (which is more beneficial to Eönwë) and "because the forces of evil cheat, Gothmog gets random assistance from other Balrogs" (similar to what happened with Fingon). Even if they refused to kill the other in the end, someone else on their side happily would. One of them would've wound up dead for sure.

Eönwë tries to take comfort in the fact that this scenario has been avoided and soon realizes that Melkor currently can't bring his Maiar back - so Gothmog also stays dead - but that means he no longer has the one person in his life who understands him. In all his other relationships, he has to perform; whether that's actually true or not is another question, but Eönwë definitely feels that way. It's not like he can tell, say, Manwë, Finarfin or Eärendil about his killer instincts and how he sometimes has the urge to hack, slash and dive bomb people.

What makes this worse is that Eönwë also can't express his grief, or at least he has to pretend it's just about Gondolin. How would he explain that he's mourning the evil Lord of Balrogs more than the brave warrior Elves?

It gets even worse in the one verse where he has an egg and now has to hatch it alone (which may or may not even be possible without another fire spirit) and can never tell anyone where it came from.

Maybe Eönwë goes into the War of Wrath so readily because he doesn't have much to lose. He doesn't feel quite at home or connected and has nobody to talk to about it and nobody to make him feel accepted and loved regarding the parts of himself that he always has to hide. But he also can't just... give up. He's immortal. Even if he died, Manwë would still be more than capable of bringing him back. And he has a purpose to fulfill.

So yeah. Poor Eönwë indeed😭

And now I'll go and dig up (pun intended) some Firebird headcanons for Ainur Week

[kopfkino-o]

Pro Vassien Super Post

One of my favorite potential ships within the ACOTAR world is Vassa x Lucien. The bird of fire and the lord of flame. The cursed queen and the spell cleaver. Soo I decided to put together some thoughts based on what we've read in the text so far! It’s a little unorganized, so bare with me.

This is obviously a pro-vassien post, so if that's not your cup of tea then this might not be for you! And as always, these are just my own opinions and interpretations.

Ready? Let's go!

The Cursed Queen and the Spell Cleaver’s Son

In ACOWAR, we are introduced to Queen Vassa, the human queen who has been cursed by the sorcerer Koschei.

“But yes—queen by night, firebird by day.” He [Lucien] blew out a breath. “Nasty curse.” — ACOWAR

In this same book, we also learn that Lucien is in fact the son of daddy Helion, High Lord of the Day Court, and the Spell Cleaver. Famed for his ability to “cleave” or break magical wards, spells, and enchantments. A gift we saw Helion use first hand when he broke the spelled chains of Elain following her rescue from the Hybern camp.

And, interesting enough, a gift we might have seen Lucien himself unknowingly utilize in ACOMAF when at Hybern.

“There was a flare of light, and a scrape, then Lucien was stalking towards Elain, freed of his restraints.” - ACOMAF

Interesting that we met a cursed queen in the same book we also learn Lucien is the son of the Spell-Cleaver. And what’s even more interesting, is it seems SJM retconned some details in how Vassa was found.

In ACOWAR, Lucien tells it was Papa Archeron who found Vassa, and that he joined up with them after she was freed. However, in ACOSF we are told Lucien was, in fact, there and played an active part in finding Vassa. Here’s what the books say:

“Lucien.” I breathed. “Who?” Drakon’s brows narrow. “Oh, the male with the eye. No. He met up with them later on—told them where to go.” - ACOWAR

“He [Koschei] is still at the lake,” Lucien said carefully. Lucien had been there, Cassian recalled. Had gone with Nesta’s father to the lake where Vassa was held captive.” - ACOSF

Interesting, right? Why retcon this little detail? To me, it it seems like SJM wanted to give Lucien the knowledge of where Koschei’s lake is because, as we know, it’s only a matter of time before Vassa is called back. And is it not interesting that Lucien, the Spell Cleaver’s son, is one of the only characters who knows where his lake is? If not the only one. Seems like future set up to me.

Because, it makes sense, wouldn’t it that Lucien would be the one to return to Koschei’s lake to break Vassa’s spell and set her free. He, after all, might be the only one with magic capable of such a feat.

The Lord of Fire and the Bird of Flame

One thing that I think is very telling, especially in regards to Lucien and Vassa, is the way Feyre (our queen, our mother, our primary POV character, and arguably the “main character” of the series) observes these two. There’s a few instances I’d like to highlight. Starting with the infamous:

“A lord of a fire and a bird of flame. I wondered if they’d found each other yet.” — Feyre herself, ACOWAR

Here we see Feyre assign them what reads a hell of a lot like a couple name. She’s grouping them together and calling attention to them being a pair. And they do fit pretty well together, no? A son of autumn [see: fire] and day [see: spell-cleaving] and a bird of flame. The fox and firebird. The emissary, son and friend of many courts, and the human queen.

This isn’t the only instance Feyre calls attention to these two in the story. One of the most interesting instances for me is her observation of Lucien and Vassa on Solstice.

Lucien, surprisingly, was chuckling, his shoulders loose and his head angled while he listened [to Vassa]." - ACOWAR

Why was this surprising to Feyre? Perhaps because she’s seeing her friend back to his usual, carefree, easy going self while in the presence of Vassa? Regardless of what this scene means, I think it’s telling that it was Feyre, the story’s primary POV, who noticed this interaction and commented on it within her internal monologue. It’s almost as if SJM—through Feyre’s eyes—is leading the readers to pick up on… something.

The Sly Fox and the Fierce, Untamed Queen

It's time to talk about Jesminda. The woman Lucien loved. The woman he thought might be his mate. And the woman he lost.

According to Lucien, Jesminda was:

"Jesminda had been all laughter and mischief, too wild and free to be contained by the country life that she’d been born into. She had teased him, taunted him—seduced him so thoroughly that he hadn’t wanted anything but her. She’d seen him not as a High Lord’s seventh son, but as a male. Had loved him without question, without hesitation. She had chosen him." - ACOWAR

I think this passage is incredibly important when we look at the dynamic between Vassien and E/lucien. We see, through Lucien's own POV, that it was pretty important to him that Jesminda saw him for who we was. Chose him because of who we was. Loved him and accepted him without question. As compared to Lucien's mate, I do think this is an interesting comparison. Especially when Lucien himself thinks...

"Elain had been … thrown at him." - ACOWAR

Now this isn't a post about Elain and Lucien, so I won't go into it, but I do feel it was important to highlight the differences between the way Lucien views Elain and the way he viewed his relationship with Jesminda. I also think the aspect of choice is something very, very important. Both in Elain and Lucien's respective, and shared, journeys, but this is something I'll touch on in a later post.

But what does this have to do with Vassa? Let's consider what we know about the mortal queen and her personality.

"Only a few years older than me, but... young-feeling. Coltish. Fierce and untamed, despite her curse." - Feyre upon meeting Vassa, ACOWAR

And:

“Not for long—not if Vassa has anything to do with it.” “You sound like an acolyte.” Lucien blushed, “She’s got a foul temper and a fouler mouth.” - ACOFAS (? - I don't have my book on me, so this might be taken from the wrong book)

I think when we look at the way Vassa and Jesminda are described we can see there are several similarities between these two females. Jesminda was wild and free, filled with mischief. Vassa is fierce and untamed with a foul mouth and fouler temper. To me, these two women seem like they're the same "type" and based on the way we see Lucien reacting to Vassa... I suspect our fox boy might have a thing for fiery, foul-mouthed, fierce ladies.

Lucien, the Blushing Acolyte

So this section is a bit... untamed. But I wanted to consolidate all of the little moments I've picked up on... something existing between Vassa and Lucien.

“He’s keeping everything running. I think he’d have been crowned king by now if it wasn’t for Vassa.” A twitch of the lips, a spark in that russet eye. “She’s doing well enough. Savoring every second of her temporary freedom.” - ACOFAS

Indeed, Vassa still remained inside, chatting with Lucien animatedly. I supposed that if she only had until dawn before turning back into that firebird, she wanted to make every minute count. Lucien, surprisingly, was chuckling, his shoulders loose and his head angled while he listened. - ACOWAR

“The human queens are still out there,” I said. Maybe I’d hunt them down. “Not for long—not if Vassa has anything to do with it.” “You sound like an acolyte.” Lucien blushed, glancing at Elain. - ACOWAR

Both Jurian and Lucien stared at her [Vassa], the former’s face utterly unreadable, and the latter’s pained. - ACOSF

So... what does this all mean? Obviously its up for interpretation, but to me, these scenes show me a few things:

1) Lucien is comfortable around Vassa. So much so that he willingly lives with her and Jurian in the mortal lands away from his mate. That he's found friendship and acceptance with her, as well as Jurian, in their Band of Exiles.

Sidebar: I find it VERY strange that Lucien is able to live this way, especially when we know that mates are driven to always be around one another and pained to be a part. Yet... Lucien seems just fine living far, far away from Elain and Velaris.

2) His curse pains her. Ironic that the spell-cleavers son is pained over the curse the mortal queen is suffering? Sounds more like foreshadowing to me.

3) There’s something there. Could it be friendship? Sure. But... when considering the "type" Lucien seems to have, the way he seems lighter, more himself, feels to me like clever foreshadowing.

4) The obvious, stark contrast of Lucien's character when he is around Elain and when he is around Vassa. Around the former, he seems pained, uncomfortable, dejected, down on himself, lacking that usual snarky humor we know and love him for. Around Vassa? He appears at ease, shoulders loose and laughing easily, a spark back in his russet eye.

My (Maybe Not So) Unhinged Wish

So… what do I make of all this? Well, I think we will be seeing an epic love story play out between Lucien and Vassa. One where they choose one another. One where Lucien, who used to hold a prejudice against humans, falls for a human queen. A story where Lucien discovers his parentage to free the woman he loves.

And, my hope, is that by coming together Lucien and Vassa will be able to bridge the gap between humans and the Fae.

Queen Vassa and King Lucien Vanserra anyone?

[ask-elland-n-will]

For the boys! 28, 29, 30 for the ask game! 💙💖☺️

28. Does your mc have a favourite childhood toy? If so, what was it? Do they still have it with them?

I think both 🌙 Elland and 🧨 Cyrus had some sort of a Phoenix toy growing up, since the bird is on their family crest and they loved listening to stories about Firebirds as kids. Elland probably ended up giving his toy to Cyrus, who absolutely still keeps it somewhere in his room. Not at Hogwarts, but back home. At Hogwarts Cyrus tries to either transfigure things into Phoenixes / find the real bird / create an automaton of one (transfigure little metal pieces like cogs and such and make it come to life with magic — idea taken from his artificer class in DnD). Elland was a brave boy giving up his toys: he's an older brother and he has to lead by example!

☀️ William grew up a spoiled baby with a loooot of toys. Mostly plushies of animals and magical beasts. I want to give him some something cliché, like a bear, or perhaps a puffskein toy — the biggest fluffiest toy he has! He would turn his toys into a court of plushies, having tea ceremonies, talking gossip, unloading his grand nobleman plans onto them. Don't tempt me to turn his first display of magic into 5-year-old Will, making all his toys come to life ("About time you rose up, my warriors!") and march down to the main living room to parade them in front of his parents. Will doesn't have a canon "first magic" moment, and now my brain is hitting me with this. You are welcome. And yes, he still has all his toys at home!

🌸 Lilith — I really want her to have some traditional-style carving, maybe a bear figurine. She has it with her at Hogwarts, too: age doesn't matter. It's her spirit, and she honours it appropriately. It was a big help in Durmstrang, emotionally, helped her toughen up.

Before her parents became successful merchants, they were rather poor and lived in a village. Of course, she had some simple toys, like dolls made out of hay and dry grass, adorned with some pretty red ribbons Lilith's mother managed to exchange for come good they grew. But when her magic manifested, the villagers started fearing her. Even before then, she's been the kid coming up with crazy stories but it was not taken seriously until that moment. It got to the point that her parents seriously thought of moving, and at the time it was the worst thing possible cause they'd have to rebuild from scratch.

The villagers' memories were obliviated when the local magic enforcement finally located Lilith, and she got accepted to Koldovstoretz. Her parents took to selling things seriously since they didn't have money to afford education for Lilith, so the first couple of years were tough. But with her being at school for most of the year, they were able to travel, and eventually made some good money, took opportunities they otherwise couldn't have.

She was gifted a small carved figurine of a bear sometime between the villagers starting to push Lilith and her family away and Lilith leaving for school. It came from an old hag living on the outskirts of the forest: she was ostracized for magical reasons as well, and although she didn't have the kind of magic we are used to in HLHP, she had some older magic, letting her brew potions from most regular ingredients, influencing weather to some degree, communicating with animals, and so on. Lilith didn't have much contact with her since she was warned to never come near, but nobody can tell Lilith what to do, right? The bear gift was meant to protect her and guide her, and it did, imbued with some forgotten folk magic.

Lilith unknowingly put a lot of herself into the bear, magically and otherwise. The fact that she seems to be stronger than she should be now, at Hogwarts, it's not a coincidence. The figurine affected Lilith most when she spent a year in Durmstrang, enhancing her wish to become stronger after all the bullying at school. This bond shall only grow. Lilith has the most potential to be an MC, and yes, she'd take the power in the repository for herself. Sorry, cute question about childhood toys *wheeeze* 🤣

29. What kind of music would your MC like? Is there a reason?

🌙 Elland is used to instrumental music because he's been taught to play a few instruments since he was a kid. He never gave the piano a go, but some of his favourite compositions are by Frederic Chopin, followed closely by Franz Liszt and Claude Debussy. In addition, in modern AU he leans towards indie and rock, and he does homework while listening to chill-hop, lo-fi, dark ambience and such.

☀️ William appreciates some really complicated pieces of music. He wanted to play the piano when he was a kid but his hands don't have the range, they are rather small, so he ended up giving it up in favour of art. But he still loves classical music. The amount of times he and his parents snuck into the muggle world for some life performances! He's a frequent opera-ballet-goer in both HL and modern time, and loves musicals in modern AU. He'd be into 1950s-90s music of all kinds. Doesn't like anything harsh sounding, like metal. He likes fun pieces, too, since he enjoys dancing, and those don't have to be ballroom classics: he can very well dance to some folk music at Three Broomsticks and have a blast.

🧨 Cyrus and 🌸 Lilith are all in on the fun stuff, music in pubs, street performers, smaller and amateur artists — they love the honesty and uniqueness. The faster the rhythm, the better! Give them drums and loud unhinged fiddling!

30. Tell us something you love about your MCs!

Answered here. In short, I love the way they overcome hardships. For Elland — overstepping his morals and living with his choice, for Will — pushing past his fear.

For Lilith and Cyrus — they are unapologetically themselves, with all their flaws: they turn those into their strengths. I can say the same about Will as well.

[ataraxiasflame]

I think you're confused. Vassien isn't Elriel repackaged, as you are insinuating in the tags. and if that's the comparison you are trying to tell yourself, then Gwynriel must be Elucien repackaged? These ships are all independent. Sure, the ships work well if they lean on one another for tidy endings. But people can just enjoy them independently as well. If you believe that for one set of them, then it applies to all.

Firstly, there’s a difference between being confused and having an opinion. Why do you immediately question my logic because you disagree with a tag (which, was added in jest based on personal experience.)

So no, in fact, I am not confused. You just don’t agree with my opinion. WHICH IS FINE. But my opinion does exist based on countless interactions regarding the point I made in the post, so I am justified to have it.

Sure, there are countless readers who have zero investment in other ships, and enjoy some of them independently. I am one of them. I have zero interest in Gwynriel, and despite having nothing against either character, I have no care of who they end up with or if we even get a book about either of them. I do not automatically support them to bolster my own confidence or opinions on Elucien happening. And there are very many people who may also support Gwynriel despite the advantages this ship gives to Elucien also working out.

But guess what? Not everyone DOES approach these ships independently, and every single Vassa-Firebird-related argument discussion I have followed or been involved in has been with an E/riel shipper, NOT an “independent” (as you call it) Vassien shipper. Which is why I tagged it under this Firebird post containing this specific Firebird point.

So, though these tags may not apply to YOU, anon, they do still apply to many others.

But thank you for trying to clarify my confusion.