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@bookfanatic06
Never forget.

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No matter how it pans out (imo they will likely choose each other before finding out they were meant to be all along) THEY. ARE. MATES. Through & through. I’ll die on that hill.
"Even so," Rhys went on, "there will always be a ... tug. For the females, it is usually easier to ignore, but the males ... It can drive them mad.”
Too many razor-sharp thoughts sliced him any time he grew still long enough for them to strike. Too many wants and needs left his skin overheated and pulling taut across his bones. So he slept only when his body gave out, and even then only for a few hours.
—
The ancient healer jerked her chin toward Lucien. "See what he can do. If anyone can sense if something is amiss, it's a mate."🚨
Lucien murmured to me, eye still fixed on Elain, "Should we-does she need ...?"
"She doesn't need anything," Azriel answered without so much as looking at Lucien.🚨
Elain was staring at the spymaster now- unblinkingly.
"We're the ones who need..." Azriel trailed off. "A seer," he said, more to himself than us. "The Cauldron made you a seer."🚨
—
Mate. The word chased me from the bath sooner than I wanted, (…….) My stomach grumbled, and I realized I hadn't eaten since the day before, because— Because he'd been injured, and I'd gone out of my mind— absolutely insane-when he'd been taken from me, shot out of the sky like a bird. I'd acted on instinct, on a drive to protect him that had come from so deep in me ...So deep in me-
And what Hybern would do to Elain, might already be doing-
From the shadows near the entrance to the tent, Azriel said, as if in answer to some unspoken debate, "I'm getting her back."
Nesta slid her gaze to the shadowsinger. Azriel's hazel eyes glowed golden in the shadows. Nesta said, "Then you will die."
Azriel only repeated, rage glazing that stare, "I'm getting her back." / Met Azriel’s wrathful stare./ Azriel honed Truth-Teller with relentless focus/ His rage rippled off his invisible form.
—
Knelt on those stars and mountains inked on his knees. He would bow for no one and nothing- But his mate. His equal.
Never, Rhys said from where he finished buckling on his own weapons against the side of the wagon. I have never once seen Azriel let another person touch that knife.
✨mates✨
SJM: “I smiled at the thought- at how handsome they would be together.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “Why not make them mates?”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “A mating bond can be rejected.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “It made sense, I suppose, that Azriel alone had listened to her.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “I’m getting her back.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “Elain didn’t seem to notice them as she rose up on her toes and kissed the shadowsinger’s cheek.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “Light and dark, the space between their bodies a blend of the two.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “Sit. I’ll take care of it.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “I’d never seen his hazel eyes so bright.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “Shadows gathered in the corners of the room, like snakes prepared to strike.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “As if he’d heard Elain’s sharp laugh and wondered what had caused it.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “Then his gaze shifted to Elain, and though it was utterly neutral, something charged went through it.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “His secret to tell, never hers.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “He would beg on his knees for a chance to taste it.”
antis: red herring!
SJM: “What if the cauldron was wrong?”
antis: red herring !!!
ya know, it gets to a point..
The ELs/GAs sayin "oh we can't rely on Nesta/Cassian/Feyre's POV about Azriel because it was an outside perspective not first person Azriel POV" makes ZERO SENSE.
Genuinely makes me question how these people are over here lording their English degrees and so called SJM major and minors when they are out here saying everyone and their momma is an unreliable narrator.
News flash: just because Feyre or Nesta or Cassian observe something - doesn't make it objectively wrong or inaccurate, just because we don't have that character's POV.
Ex: When Feyre observes Tamlin getting angry - it means he is getting angry. She is our narrator and our source of truth. Nobody is out here saying "oh well we don't have tamtam's POV so we don't know if he actually is angry!"
Ex: when Feyre observes Lucien & Elain having an awk tea service. Does it mean if we had Elain's or Lucien's POV, they'd secretly be thinking about how much they love the other person and how Elain is secretly making a play hard to get plan and is fantasizing about Lucien? No it does not. It means they had an awk tea service and that's it.
Like stfu people.
Not only do they say everyone's an unreliable narrator - but then they even backtrack on THAT! Like ok Nesta is an unreliable narrator when she notices Azriel is into her sister / but she's extremely super reliable every other instance of her book? Cassian is super unreliable when he notices Elain acting shy around Azriel - but he is super duper reliable when he's observing Elain's ugly black dress?
Like at least stay consistent, my god.
The narrator is the source of truth. Are there going to be instances where they misjudge or misinterpret and we don't have ALL the info - yes.
But you can't PICK AND CHOOSE WHEN.
And it's a truly crazy how they'll say all this shit about unreliable narrators - but then in the ONLY POV we have from Azriel - they will say he's OOC.
Wdym he's OOC? Because he wants Elain? He thinks about her sexually? He pines for her?
Shouldn't it be the only source of truth - the one POV from the character itself ?? By their own logic - this is the REAL undeniable Azriel.
And yet they still screech that Azriel is OOC. In his OWN POV.
Make it make sense.
☠️ I don’t understand the whole—“I have an English degree and I’m always right” thing. I have a BA in English and an M.Ed in Special Education with an emphasis on Reading Instruction and Interventions. I literally teach reading comprehension, and even I don’t take it that seriously. We’re legit reading about faeries with big ol’ wingspans 😂 Lmao. 🤭
The way certain factions of the acotar fandom cannot grasp the fact that SJM did not in fact end a relationship in a bonus chapter only 10% of her readers have read blows my absolute mind. Hundreds of thousands—Millions of her readers have not read that chapter. That fact is like a slippery fish and they’re all oiled up. They’re never gonna get it. Slipping right off that brain.
I just watched a reel where this Elulu/g**riel said that Elain and Az don’t have enough conflict to overcome. That only Rhys is standing in their way and the book would be too short. Az is only into her because he has a savior complex. That Lulu represents all the things El is afraid of and that is what she will need to overcome to be with him.
I got the ick so bad from this take. Like, she has to DO THE WORK to overcome her negative feelings towards the fae male who was complicit in her abduction, who has shown zero interest other than what interest he HAS to show because the fae treat mates like property? Who compares her to his ex lover in a very negative way and only wants to fight for her if he deems her worth it?
she ended her reel by saying the bonus chapter was the first step in Elain stepping away from Az and into the arms of her mate.
Are we really reading the same novels? 🤦🏻♀️ my girl El was two seconds from throwing caution to the wind and having her own batboy undress her in the foyer and no one can change my mind. Do these people really think she would give up that easily?
Such a gross take!

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I haven’t written anything in over a decade, but this head canon just won’t go away. I’ve often wondered if the idea of “like calls to like” will be prevalent in Elriel’s book like in all the others. I really feel like Elain is hiding some deep shit that just can’t be ignored. This piece is really what I think could happen if Elain deep down shares Azriel’s penchant for self loathing and low self esteem. She gets so much crap from the fandom for being boring, I really see her surprising us with some darker personality traits.
Also, my favorite thing about this other than the Elriel fluff is Nesta. I wanted to see her and Elain making up after the events of ACOSF on page. I didn’t hate Nesta, just thought she treated my baby El poorly.
I’m not sure if I’ll write more to this, or if it’s going to stay a one shot. I’m also not sure if I’m ready to post to AO3. I’m a mom with 3 kids and a full time teaching gig. I’m not sure I have it in me.
So here is my first shot at writing Elriel.
Unworthy
Words: 5112
Angst/Romance
Pairings: Major: Elain Archeron/Azriel,
Minor: Feyre/Rhysand, Cassian/Nesta, Varian/Amren
The way this fandom twists itself into knots to create separate standards for certain characters should actually be studied. Because tell me why Lucien is treated like a martyr but Elain is treated like trash.
- Lucien, a full grown Fae male with ties to multiple courts, is complicit in Feyre’s emotional abuse at Tamlin’s hands. Lucien is Tamlin’s friend and one of the few people Tamlin would listen to. He “tries” to help Feyre but mostly just tells her to wait out her suffering. The fandom: “What was Lucien supposed to do??” “Tamlin is his High Lord! He couldn’t have done anything!!” “Actually Lucien was being abused by Tamlin too!!”
- Elain, a young teenage girl with limited skills and resources, doesn’t help take care of her family when they are destitute and starving. Elain acknowledges her failures in the book and attempts to make right by them. Plus she did buy Feyre paint when she had the opportunity. This fandom: “Elain is useless and stupid!!” “Why didn’t she grow potatoes??” “She planted flowers while her family starved???” (ignoring the fact that Feyre bought her the seeds and instead treating Elain like she just wasted everyone’s time and money) “What an evil, horrible sister!!”
- Elain did not have a particularly large role in assisting war efforts because she was in a severe state of grief/shock. She still manages to have several notable moments where she assists the group in an impactful way. This fandom: “Elain is so useless!” “All she does is cry!” “Elain is boring and doesn’t help with anything!!”
- Lucien has an incredibly small role in assisting with the war efforts, not even actually freeing Vassa (Papa Archeron handled that). This fandom: “Lucien couldn’t have possibly helped! “He was sent to the continent!!” “The IC kept Lucien from getting to do anything!” “Lucien killed his way across a battlefield!!” (ignoring this is actually never stated in the text. He obviously saw combat but it is never mentioned how much he did or did not do. Because ultimately it is not relevant)
- Elain is weary of Lucien and doesn’t want to accept a mating bond she had no choice in. It is explicitly stated how much she still loves Greyson and how long she mourned the loss of him. The worst part of the fandom: “She needs to get over herself!” “She has to give Lucien a chance!!” “What a bitch!!” “Lucien deserves better!”
- Lucien seemingly unsure of what to do with Elain and thinking she was thrown at him. Lucien is perfectly content not being around Elain and has started a new life without her in it. The worst part of this fandom: “Lucien is so kind for giving Elain space!” “He is an angel, a perfect gentleman!” “Lucien treats Elain better than any other male has treated his mate in the series!!”
So apparently Lucien’s inaction or complacency means he is actually the biggest victim in this story, but also a conquering hero, and also the best mate anyone could ask for.
But Elain’s mistakes and unrecognized contributions make her boring, evil, stupid, useless, and a total undeserving bitch.
Elain very literally did more to save Pyrthian than Lucien did across the whole series but the discussion around her is vitriolic, while her “mate” is type cast as a victim of all circumstances. Make it make sense.
*This is not an anti Lucien post. I do not hate his character and I truly believe every action or inaction with Lucien happened for a reason. This is simply an attempt to demonstrate the atrocitious double standard that exists in this fandom*
Thiiiiiiis! I loved Lucien in ACOTAR, but he’s just there in the rest. The mating bond between him and El gives me ick. I’ve never felt like there was an ulterior motive for a mating bond, but here it’s obviously for babe making purposes or something is wrong with it. It’s so weird how he’s put on this pedestal by some fans when since book 2 he’s been an afterthought. 😬
my favorite elriel fics. 🦇♡
a long masterlist of my all time favorite elriel fanfictions on ao3, after being a fan of this couple for 4 years. all these fanfictions are special to me and i hope i can help other elriels that have been looking for recommendations. ✧・˚
— info: all completed fics. <3
!! ₊ ˚ ୨୧ ⋅ ̥ യ . 𖥔
“Golden Doe in a Valley of Shadow” by Violetasteracademic, canon compliant, elriel’s story after acosf, forbidden love, angst, fluff, smut, long fic. ♡ (https://archiveofourown.org/works/54831724/chapters/138983473)
“A Court of Bones in Bloom” by ladyveravincent, canon compliant, elriel’s story after acosf, forbidden love, long fic, slow burn, eight court theory, angst, eventual smut. ♡ (https://archiveofourown.org/works/58554709/chapters/149179024)
“Pretty Little Angel” by DottieLovegood, canon compliant, elriel’s story after acosf with a twist, BDSM, azriel owns a club, smutty. ♡ (https://archiveofourown.org/works/30617429/chapters/75532637)
“Freshly Baked” by elainsroses, canon compliant, series with three oneshots in it, fluff and domestic, elriel are together and happy, baking, kisses and a pregnancy plot, pure fluff. ♡ (https://archiveofourown.org/series/2759089)
“Wildest Dreams” by tswaney17, canon compliant, elain and azriel are a couple, elain and azriel’s children, happy endings, pure fluff, elriel have a little family together, soft azriel. ♡ (https://archiveofourown.org/works/55844830)
“Stargirl” by duskandcobalt, canon compliant, elain and azriel are spending some time together when elain has a vision, smut, sneaking around, secret relationship, stolen moments, kitchen sex. ♡ (https://archiveofourown.org/works/50867182/chapters/128505301)
“For A Taste Of You (I Will Do Anything)” by keeparecordofthewreckage, one shot, post acosf solstice, smut and smut and angst, set on starfall, did i mention smut? (https://archiveofourown.org/works/36913843)
“A Tapestry of Dreams and Reality” by ImaginativeInk, canon compliant, elain’s cauldron powers, elain and azriel find themselves in the mystical realm of dreams and their connection continues to unfold. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/53269846)
“Be still, my foolish heart” by roselensedeyes, canon divergence, adoption, original characters (children), adopted children, elriel are mates, wedding + pregnancy, elain volunteers at an orphanage in velaris. ♡ (https://archiveofourown.org/works/50680402/chapters/128026141)
“Love Confessions, Meddling Brothers and Raspberry Tarts” by obisidian_witch, canon compliant, angst with a happy ending, secret relationship, secrets, chosen love, post acosf, elain learns the truth about what transpired on that dreadful solstice night, from both azriel and rhysand. ♡ (https://archiveofourown.org/works/57625048)
“Across the Hallway” by tswaney17, modern au, elain is a baker + azriel is a detective, small fic (5 chapters), elain has a cat! (https://archiveofourown.org/works/39325395/chapters/98412099 )
“Night of Wings and Roses” by ThatTrable, canon compliant, fluff and angst, post acosf solstice, feyre as the wingwomen. ♡ (https://archiveofourown.org/works/43561515)
“all’s well that ends well (to end up with you)” by miss_belivet, canon compliant, set on acofas solstice, elriel are mates, the bond snaps in front of everyone, potatoes. ♡ (https://archiveofourown.org/works/40069968/chapters/100352508)
“To Dine Like Gods” by elainsroses, canon compliant, pure smut, body worship, azriel has found god between elain’s thighs. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/56211508)
“Too Sweet (for me)” by slythrhys, canon compliant, forbidden love, pure smut, secret relationship, azriel can’t get elain out of his head. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/55180729/chapters/139943131)
“Kneading Dough” by tswaney17, canon compliant, one shot, fluff and smut, in the kitchen, mostly smut + shadow play (https://archiveofourown.org/works/40041990)
“Crimson Clover” by miss_belivet, canon compliant, blood kink, azriel reacting to elain carrying out an extreme act of violence, protective elain, auntie elain, lain protects nyx, its bloody. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/42530709/chapters/106825986)
“Bound in Ivy” by yourstarsmyscars, canon compliant, secret relationship, elain’s powers, forbidden love, smut, elain has a secret, azriel wants to find out. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/46678417/chapters/117559789)
“The Bet” by DottieLovegood, modern au, pure smut, established relationship! (https://archiveofourown.org/works/34488118)
“I Do Bad Things with You” by tswaney17, modern au, long fic, mob boss azriel, doctor elain, angst and smut, ex lovers + slow burn. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/31926901/chapters/79064530)
“Woman Made of Flowers” by yourstarsmyscars, medieval au, enemies to lovers, azriel kidnaps elain, azriel and elain are from enemy kingdoms. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44467921/chapters/111848692)
“We Don’t Have To Dance” by Separatist_Apologist, canon compliant, post acosf solstice, set on hewn city, elain makes azriel quite literally beg on his knees, jealous azriel, elain taking her revenge after the solstice, smut. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/44899510)
“The Pointe of Love” by pinkrasberryfish, elriel + nessian centric, modern au, nesta and elain are prima ballerinas, they dance in the velaris ballet company. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/43076520/chapters/108246912)
“Freefall” by yourstarsmyscars, one shot, canon compliant, elriel angst, pining, smutty ending, post solstice, yearning. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/43696293/chapters/109975251#workskin)
“The First Solstice” by NikeTheStatue, one shot, canon compliant, re-imagining of the acofas solstice in azriel’s pov (headache power + gardening plans till 3am) (https://archiveofourown.org/works/43749949)
“Breathless” by miss_belivet, one shot, canon compliant, post acosf solstice, forbidden love, smut, sneaking around, elriel do the dishes after a family dinner. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/46398019)
“Wrap Me in Your Skin and Bones” by citizenofvelaris, azriel and elain sequester themselves in the townhouse, mating bond frenzy, elriel are true mates, some peace and quiet. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/53212210/chapters/134650879)
“Guilty As Sin?” by fawnandshadows, one shot, modern au, elain moves to a new apartment after her breakup and gets a hot firefighter as neighbor, azriel is a firefighter. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/55702369)
“6/8” by Shulkitten, alternative universe - music, azriel plays the piano, one shot, vanilla elriel, smut and fluff, elain has a hand kink, azriels is elains piano teacher. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/40513584)
“Touch Me, Hold Me, Tell Me” by miss_belivet, canon compliant, post acosf solstice, azriel disobeys rhys orders, plot what plot?, forbidden love, secret relationship, azriel is feral, elain is his princess. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/53566822)
“Under the Weeping Willow” by duskandcobalt, canon compliant, forbidden love, secret relationship, sneaking around, azriel and elain have their best time at the garden at night. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/53309260)
“I choose you and me, religiously” by slythrhys, canon compliant, one shot, forbidden love, secret relationship, sneaking around, fluff and smut, clandestine meetings, sweet & spicy. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/55701385)
“The First Flight” by NikeTheStatue, canon compliant, one shot, set on acowar, azriel flies Elain from the house of wind to the townhouse. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/56840626)
“Cruel Summer” by citizenofvelaris, canon compliant, forbidden romance, secret relationship, smut, elain finally finds some relief from the hot summer nights of Velaris. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/46476226/chapters/117022795)
“Gasoline” by yourstarsmyscars, modern au, one shot, smut, azriel is a biker, azriel agrees to teach elain to ride a motorcycle, it’s not the only thing she wants to ride. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/42909471)
“crumbs” by Demarogue, canon compliant, established relationship, fluff and smut, baking, kitchen sex, elriel future, sometimes, learning how to bake is foreplay itself. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/42695196)
“Silver Linings & Raspberry Fortunes” by slythrhys, modern au, bartender au, fluff, flirting, azriel is a bartender and elain is in a blind date. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/55628383)
“Let Me” by obisidian_witch, canon compliant, established relationship, elain is in love, azriel is in love, fae cycles, pure fluff, it’s that time of the month for elain, lucky for her, azriels sole purpose in life is to care for her. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/58103275)
“The Housewarming” by hozierhys canon compliant, post acosf, fluff and smut, forbidden love, getting together, or five times Elain and Azriel almost kissed, and the one explosive time they did. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/54361855)
“Salted Cashews” by NikeTheStatue canon compliant, a fic inspired by the the “fated mates” quiz on sjm’s website, fluff, elain gets azriel. (https://archiveofourown.org/works/56795722)
!! ₊ ˚ ୨୧ ⋅ ̥ യ . 𖥔
the end.
Feyre's thoughts about Elain and Azriel together:
Feyre's thoughts about Elain and Lucien together:
Nesta's thoughts about Elain and Azriel together:
Nesta's thoughts about Elain and Lucien together:
Elain's thoughts about Lucien:
Elain's thoughts about Azriel:
If it's between my girlies or Rhysand's political machinations and Cassian's fashion assessments, I'm gonna trust the Archeron sisters on this one
🌸🦇
This is beautiful. ❤️
Elriel
Art: art_by_ava.georgia

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A ray of hope there still may be in this, the gift I give to thee...
My darlings, have hope. SJM had been letting us know where this is headed for many years, and she continues to speak to those who understand what to listen for.
I have already made a post sharing the meaning of The Glass Coffin ballet Bryce played for Nesta and Azriel in the bonus chapter, which is Sleeping Beauty.
Let me repeat that again: in the bonus chapter where Azriel is asked if he has a mate (or spouse, or partner), the bonus chapter where he looks down at Truth-Teller, thinking of Elain when describing how the King of Hybern was killed, the bonus chapter where he listens particularly close to Nesta describing if she now finally prefers being Fae to human.... Bryce played Sleeping Beauty for them.
Now, the Elriel being a Sleeping Beauty retelling has been theorized for YEARS.
I will link some of these below, but I want to touch some of my favorite ideas and easter eggs.
Many have pointed out the significance of Briar, the human woman Azriel and Elain carried back from Hybern after Azriel rescued Elain as a Sleeping Beauty clue. Briar Rose is the Alias that Princess Aurora lives by under the protection of the three good fairies.
The fairies are:
Flora (flowers) in possession of the Sword of Truth
Fauna (fawn) who gives the gift of song
Merriweather (the blue fairy) who attempts to give the gift of happiness, but is cut short by a spell
It's actually kind of insane when you start to look at all of these details. Flowers, fawn's, and happiness from the blue fairy being interrupted by a curse or a spell. Something only true love can break.
I agree with the take (which I originally saw on @elriell post found here) that Sarah might invert the Sleeping Beauty retelling for Elriel. Azriel has a few building blocks to indicate he is at a high risk. Koschei is specifically trying to get his hands on Azriel, stating he planned for him for months, and he is in close proximity to the priestesses, some of whom at this moment have the ability to lure and lull. Whether it's G/wyn and her theorized lightsinger and/or siren abilities, the sermon's Clotho suddenly discovered one day amongst random books shelved below Level Seven:
Or Merril, the descendant of the Lord of the Western Wind who considers G/wyn a lackey to be dismissed (while Koschei plants words in courts through whispers on the wind)
There is no doubt in my mind that as Rhys was captured by Hybern and Cassian was captured by Briallyn and the crown, Elain will step into her power to save Azriel from whatever it is Koschei needs him for.
The Sleeping Beauty theory moved beyond theory in HOFAS, in my opinion. I'm not saying Sarah dropped The Glass Coffin specifically for Elriel's, as we all know SJM doesn't have social media on her phone and she tends to keep away from too many fan theories. What I am saying is Elriel's have long picked up on the Sleeping Beauty threads Sarah has been dropping for years, and SJM has done nothing but continue to build on that narrative.
In this year of 2024, in Sarah's most recently published book, after years of speculation:
Azriel confirmed something was indeed wrong with the Cauldron.
Azriel literally listened to a Sleeping Beauty symphony.
Briar Rose, flowers and fawns and the Sword of Truth, sleeping spells which can only be broken by true love, the inside of Elain's mind being described as a sleeping garden.
It's honestly overwhelming.
Hope.
https://elriell.tumblr.com/post/644019925155037184/why-elriel-is-most-definitely-a-sleeping-beauty
https://www.reddit.com/r/acotar/comments/110lyda/sleeping_beauty_retelling_potential_spoilers/
https://www.reddit.com/r/acotar/comments/luk8b7/eighth_court_theory/
WARNING:
This post will lean anti-Lucien and anti-Elucien. I know he’s well loved by many, so you’ve been warned.
I’ve been bothered for awhile by Lucien’s history of court jumping and ability to “play the game”. From the very first time that he was called the “clever fox”, my mind labeled him as someone to watch. The Cambridge dictionary describes the term this way:
Sly. Wily. Cunning. Good at deceiving.
Anyways.
I was listening to ACOWAR again yesterday, and came to this portion, right after Feyre has returned to the Night Court with Lucien in tow. Feyre is surprised that Rhys allowed Lucien to not only see his wings, but to listen in on their inner circle conversation.
Feyre and Lucien are “friends”, but she doesn’t totally trust him. Feyre doesn’t like (but is AWARE) that Elain is being used as a political pawn. Rhys willingly admits that he’s planning to keep Lucien in line by dangling Elain’s safety in front of him. Most importantly (in my mind) was this tidbit:
Throughout ACOWAR and ACOFAS, Lucien seems be taking the bait. He’s still feeling out the bond with Elain in an effort to ascertain whether she’s “worth it”. Feyre and Rhys create opportunities in an effort to push them together. Once we reach ACOSF, though, something has changed.
Lucien is no longer wholly trusted by the inner circle. They believe his allegiance has shifted from his mate (and by extension, the Night Court) to the Band of Exiles. He’s no longer taking the bait, and seems to have realized that things with Elain are not going to fulfill the soul mate fantasies that he’s been sold.
When Cassian visits the Band of Exiles, we see stark evidence that Lucien is deeply concerned for Vassa. He’s pained by her plight, and even sets his sights once again on Koschei’s lake.
Cassian also points out that Lucien is able to play all of his parts flawlessly, not letting on what might be happening underneath the courtly mask. Like a clever fox.
So, we know that Rhys believed that Elain was the key to keeping Lucien accountable to the Night Court. He even reinforced that idea in the ACOSF Azriel POV bonus chapter. Rhys also told us in ACOWAR that if Lucien’s loyalties changed, he may sell information, for gain or to make sure that Elain stayed safe. By ACOSF it’s clear that Lucien’s allegiance has shifted to the Band of Exiles as Elain continues to keep him at arm’s length and his dedication to saving Vassa continues to remain a priority. The bait is no longer working, so what happens next?
Will Azriel regret not keeping eyes on Lucien? Were Rhys’s comments in ACOWAR foreshadowing? Will Lucien, knowingly or not, betray the Night Court in an effort to release Vassa from Koschei’s spell?
Was Elain’s “you betrayed us” a reference to the past … or the future?
This is absolute brilliance. 🥹
~ 𝐴 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑠 ~
"Azriel's power gave out on the outskirts of our camp.
(...)
The gray light of morning had broken over the world, mist clinging to our ankles as we headed into that camp, Azriel still cradling Elain to his chest. He dripped blood behind him the entire time-a trickle compared to the torrent that should be leaking out. Contained only by the patches of power he'd slapped on it".
- A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas.
➵ Art by @/aysha.nasir15 on ig
➵ Commissioned by me 💕
Hello!! This is my first time commissioning canon scene art and I'm SO EXCITED to finally get it out there! Working with Aysha on this piece has been spectacular, she has been able to bring this scene to life in a way that I could never have imagined. Thank you very much, Aysha!
I could say that this is one of my favorite Elriel scenes, but really all their scenes are, even the smallest ones makes me feel butterflies in my stomach. This one in particular makes me have great hope for them, as our dear Feyre narrates how Azriel doesn't want to let Elain go from his arms; even though he is hurt his first concern is that Elain's chains will be removed. I feel that it is a moment of deep connection between them, he was the first to be aware that Elain had disappeared and despite being in danger of death, he did not hesitate for a single second to go save her together with Feyre. This entire sequence of them meeting and then Elain showing that she is also fierce when the situation calls for it makes me love them even more. I also love how, in gratitude, Elain gives him a kiss on the cheek afterwards.
Honestly the Cauldron may have decided not to make them mates, but all of their interactions scream to me that they, in fact, are. Or, at least, will choose to be. Hence why I post this art for the theme of a bridge between souls 💜
➵ Please don't repost.
➵ Likes and shares are appreciated.
➵ Be respectful.
Elain Archeron: Queen of Hel.
(Spoilers for ACOTAR and Crescent City, slight TOG spoilers).
Throughout the books, Elain has been repeatedly connected to spring. For example, Elain's scent is described as a "promise of spring." We also know that the drawers Feyre painted for each sister likely foreshadows their fate, and Elain's drawer is covered in flowers.
Thus, many people have theorised about Elain and her link to spring (myself included), with many believing that Elain may end up residing in, or ruling the Spring Court. Whilst that is still very possible, I want to point out a different possibility.
Persephone.
Persephone is known as the Greek Goddess of Spring, and eventually came to be the Queen of the Underworld.
Elain has a number of similarities to Persephone, even just visually and aesthetically, as you can tell by this Persephone art piece below:
However, there are more similarities beyond that. For example, Persephone's sacred animal is the deer. Elain has also been likened to a deer (for example, the Suriel refers to Elain as a "trembling fawn," and states that she has "doe eyes.")
Persephone is also known as "The Maiden." Recall that when Elain, Nesta and Briallyn were thrown into the Cauldron, they came to represent the different parts of the three-faced goddess; Briallyn as the Crone (she was turned into an old woman, rip), Nesta as the Mother, and Elain as the Maiden.
Further, I have long since believed that Nesta and Elain's power will represent the two halves of the Cauldron; Nesta's power is death and destruction, and Elain's power will be life and creation. This aligns with various tales of Persephone, in which her own abilities revolved around life-giving (ie. necromancy), fertility and growth.
Hades and Persephone.
Evidently, the most famous stories of Persephone often involve her husband Hades - King of the Underworld.
Some may argue that Feyre and Rhys's story was already a Hades and Persephone retelling, but take it from SJM herself; in her (now deleted) Pinterest board for Elain, there were various images of Hades and Persephone art, as seen below:
If Elain's story is also shaping up to be a Hades and Persephone retelling, then I believe it will be far more literal; Elain will quite literally become the ruler of the Underworld - the Queen of Hel.
Obviously this calls into question who Elain's Hades will be. I originally wrote this theory under the assumption that it will be Aidas; the 5th Prince of Hel. This is because Hades's other name is Aidoneus, or otherwise known as Aides. Additionally, SJM mentioned that she originally wrote an (unpublished) duology called "Hades," which was inspired by Greek and Roman mythology; evidently, this ties in much more with the mythology included in the Crescent City world (as all of the Princes of Hel, so far, are named after Greek mythological figures). Similarly, in SJM's Pinterest board for Crescent City (and more specifically, for Aidas and the Princes of Hel), there were again multiple Hades and Persephone (or related) images, as seen below:
(And, perhaps it's a little cracked out, but I see some parallels emerging between the Cauldron "purring" for Elain, and Aidas's cat presence).
However, if that's not your cup of tea, then the great thing about this theory is that it works for all of the popular Elain ships:
Azriel: Most of us agree that Azriel is connected to Hel in some way (I myself have theorised that he is the 8th Prince of Hel, to match the 8 courts of Prythian). He has "ice cold" hands (just like the Princes of Hel), his shadow powers are very Hel-like, and his backstory is still shrouded in so much mystery. He could very well be the Hades of this theory.
Lucien: I firmly believe that the Princes of the Hel are the Valg. With this in mind, it is *very* interesting that Lucien has the power of light and fire, the two things the Valg (and the Princes of Hel) hate the most. Perhaps it'll be a spin on the Hades and Persephone myth, where Elain is taken to Hel, and Lucien will come to help rescue her.
But, to be honest, I don't want this theory to centre around shipping, nor do I want my account to isolate people based on certain ships. Instead, I want this theory to focus on Elain's own agency as a person, and how a story arc in Hel (and becoming their Queen), would be super bad ass.
Has Elain already made contact with Hel...?
Since being made fae, there have been occasions where Elain is a little out of it. In ACOWAR, she states that she is "always dreaming," and this dream-state is then described as a "murky realm."
But then in HOSAB, we learn that Apollion, the 7th Prince of Hel, makes contact with Hunt and Bryce in their sleep, he even tells Bryce that they are meeting in a "dream world" - an in-between sort of realm. Thus, does this suggest that the same thing is happening to Elain...?
It's also interesting that the Cauldron gifted Elain seer powers. However, in ACOWAR we see Elain track down the Suriel's location; this ability is near identical to the mystic powers we see in HOSAB. We also know that the mystics can be used to contact those in Hel...
Elain's book.
If this theory is correct, it suggests that Elain's book will take place not in Prythian, but in Hel. I don't know about you guys, but I think that would be incredible (and I mean, considering that SJM universe readers have known of the Valg since 2012... actually seeing their world and what is going on, has been a long time coming).
Not only that, but it makes total sense from a narrative perspective. Most agree that Elain's story will involve facing Koschei, but Koschei's siblings (The Weaver and the Bone Carver) bled black blood, a turned the enemy soldier's into "husks" - thus, Koschei is likely Valg/connected to Hel. Most also agree that Elain's story will involve the Dusk Court (and it's Starborn inhabitants); but it is quite evident that the Starborn consists of those who have Valg powers (ie. shadow manipulation, mind speaking), or are connected to Hel (especially given how Aidas and Apollion are watching over Bryce). Thus, Elain going to Hel genuinely makes a lot of sense.
Most importantly, we know that Aidas and Apollion wanted Bryce to travel to Hel, as "Hel's armies" are ready for her. Evidently, Bryce was not able to achieve this.
But Elain can.
As of HOSAB, we know that the Asteri's true goal is to enter the ACOTAR world once more, and to "exact revenge." Imagine a scenario where this happens; that the Asteri and the Vanir of Crescent City are unleashed onto Prythian. When almost all hope is lost, a rift opens, and Elain emerges with Hel's armies; thousands upon thousands of Hel's warriors, and creatures of the night - bowing down to their Queen. BRO THAT'S GIVING ME CHILLS JUST TO TYPE. I cannot think of a single better thing that would be a huge "screw you" to every character (and reader!) that has underestimated what Elain is capable of.
Because, irrespective of the men and ships involved with Elain's story; Elain as Persephone, as the Queen of Hel - the most powerful world in existence, would be so damn epic.
IS THIS ANOTHER HINT FOR ELAIN?!?! ELRIEL? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
[Verse 1]
Drownin' in the Blue Nile
He sent me "Downtown Lights"
I hadn't heard it in a while
My boredom's bone-deep
This cage was once just fine
Am I allowed to cry?
I dream of crackin' locks
Throwin' my life to the wolves or the ocean rocks
Crashin' into him tonight, he's a paradox
I'm seeing visions
Am I bad or mad or wise?
[Chorus]
What if he's written "Mine" on my upper thigh only in my mind?
I'm slippin', fallin' back into the hedge maze
Oh, what a way to die
I keep recalling things we never did
Messy top lip kiss, how I long for our trips
Without ever touchin' his skin
How can I be guilty as sin?
[Verse 2]
I keep these longings locked
In lowеrcase inside a vault
Someonе told me, "There's no such thing as bad thoughts
Only your actions talk"
These fatal fantasies
Giving way to labored breath takin' all of me
We've already done it in my head, if it's make-believe
Why does it feel like a vow we'll both uphold somehow?
[Chorus]
What if he's written "Mine" on my upper thigh only in my mind?
I'm slippin', fallin' back into the hedge maze
Oh, what a way to die
My bed sheets are ablaze
I've screamed his name
Buildin' up like waves crashin' over my grave
Without ever touchin' his skin
How can I be guilty as sin?
[Bridge]
What if I roll the stone away?
They're gonna crucify me anyway
What if the way you hold me is actually what's holy?
If long-suffering propriety is what they want from me
They don't know how you've haunted me so stunningly
I choose you and me religiously
[Chorus]
What if he's written "Mine" on my upper thigh only in my mind?
I'm slippin', fallin' back into the hedge maze
Oh, what a way to die
I keep recalling things we never did
Messy top lip kiss, how I long for our trips
Without ever touchin' his skin
How can I be guilty as sin?
[Outro]
He sent me "Downtown Lights"
I hadn't heard it in a while
Am I allowed to cry?

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More on the possible Elriel Mate Theory
As I said, I’d rather see chosen love than a forced mate bond. But what if we get both?
I keep thinking about Azriel’s reactions regarding Elain and Lucien. They seem a bit…extreme. He loves Mor, and while he’s had years to cope with that, he’s really struggling here in a way he didn’t seem to with Mor.
He won’t come to family dinners. He’s staying at the House. He won’t keep tabs on Lucien, even though its his job. He can barely stand to be in the same room as Elain and Lucien.
He left the rest unspoken. Because her mate was here, sleeping a level up. Because her mate had been in the family room and Azriel had needed to stay by the door the whole time because he couldn’t stand the sight of it, the scent of their mating bond, and needed to have the option of leaving if it became too much.
Elain’s large brown eyes flickered, well aware of all that. Just as he knew she was well aware as to why Azriel so rarely came to family dinners these days.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but the only time the mating bond for Feysand was noticed/scented by others was when they confronted Hybern, after the mating bond was accepted. Those other times before when Tamlin and everyone else was in the same room as Feyre and Rhys it was never noticed. And yet Azriel can not only scent Elain and Lucien’s right now, but can barely stand it.
And then you have Lucien, who is super chill, but gets all snarly when Azriel and Elain go off together.
But Lucien’s attention went right to the hallway toward the back, his nostrils flaring as he scented Elain’s direction. And who she’d gone with. A low snarl slipped out of him—
“Relax,” Rhys said. “Azriel isn’t the ravishing type.”
Lucien cut him a glare.
So what if Elain does have two mates - as SJM said is possible - but only one can be fully “activated” at a time. Azriel was unconscious when Elain was turned, leaving Lucien to “claim” her as his mate first. So what if for Azriel, its more like a shadow of the bond. Which would explain him (and Feyre) questioning the Cauldron. It would explain Azriel and Elain’s near telepathic understanding they both seem to have. It would explain their magnetic pull.
If this theory is correct, it would mean until Elain rejects the bond with Lucien, it won’t fully snap into place for Azriel. Which would also mean Azriel and Elain could fall in love freely, could choose to be together, and then when the bond snaps, it’s the same that we got with Feysand. They fell in love first, before the bond. Not because of it.
EDIT: Another hint…
The ancient healer jerked her chin toward Lucien. “See what he can do. If anyone can sense if something is amiss, it’s a mate.”
- -
“Did you sense anything?”
“No–I didn’t have time. I felt her, but…”
- -
Lucien murmured to me, eyes still fixed on Elain, “Should we–does she need…?
“She doesn’t need anything,” Azriel answered without so much as looking at Lucien.
Elain was staring at the spymaster now—unblinkingly.
“We’re the ones who need …” Azriel trailed off. “A seer,” he said, more to himself than us. “The Cauldron made you a seer.”
I’ve posted about this separately, but these snippets are very interesting as well:
A mate can sense if something is amiss, and it’s Azriel who senses what is “amiss” with Elain, not Lucien.
The mating bond is a “bridge” between souls. We’ve seen a bridge of connection between Az and Elain, but there is a “gap” between Lucien and Elain that needs to be bridged.
Also, did truth-teller show Feyre the truth in that scene? Did it show the connection, the bridge, the bond between Az and Elain??
All of Elain mentions in Acosf 🌸
True hell, because that was Elain lying on the stone floor with the red-haired, one-eyed Fae male hovering over her. Because those were pointed ears poking through her sister’s sodden gold-brown hair, and an immortal glow radiating from Elain’s fair skin.
***
And the sound of that voice, the voice of the male who had done this to Elain …
***
The King of Hybern—he had done this. To Elain. To Cassian.
***
The Cauldron struggled like a bird under a cat’s paw. She refused to relent.
Everything it had stolen from her, from Elain, she would take from it.
***
Prologue