hula hoops make me happy

Hey! Don’tapologize <3

Well, theretwo way to look at it:

From astoryteller’s perspective, it had be that way. Vader didn’t know in the OT, soAnakin couldn’t know about it in the PT.  If Anakin (or anyone else) had sensed Padméwas carrying twins, it would have created a huge plot inconsistency in the OT.If Vader knew Padmé was carrying two babies, it would make no sense for him notto wonder about the second child’s whereabouts the moment he found out who Lukewas. So the whole arc about him putting all his hopes on Luke would lose muchof its impact (and logic). Also, if Anakin did sensed the twins, why Palpatine,Yoda and every other powerful force-sensitive around Padmé didn’t? by makingthe twins a secret, even to Anakin, they avoided messing with the OT’s arc andretconning the lore.

Now, if weare thinking only about the lore, there’s nothing indicating Anakin should be able to realize Padmé wascarrying twins or if they were force-sensitive. Jedi do have heightened sensesbut they are not omniscient and most Jedi need tests and evidences before theycan confirm someone is force-sensitive. And even with the tests, some beingscan hide their sensitivity to avoid detection like Palpatine did. What theyhave is more like an unreliable sixth sense, they can train and master theirskills but it’s not something they can alwayscontrol or use in their favor. Imagine it’s like their ability to see thefuture: they can see only pieces, only on some occasions and their visions aren’texactly accurate.

“I’m sorry.” He smiled fondly as he moved out from the shadows. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

She held one hand pressed to her chest as though to keep her heart from leaping out. “No-no, it’s all right. I just-Anakin, you shouldn’t be out here. It’s still daylight-”

“I couldn’t wait, Padme. I had to see you.” He took her in his arms. “Tonight is forever from now-how am I supposed to live that long without you?”

Her hand went from her chest to his. “But we’re in full view of a million people, and you’re a very famous man. Let’s go inside.”

He drew her back from the edge of the veranda, but made no move to enter the apartment. “How are you feeling?”

Her smile was radiant as Tatooine’s primary as she took his flesh hand and pressed it to the soft fullness of her belly. “He keeps kicking.”

“He?” Anakin asked mildly. “I thought you’d ordered your medical droid not to spoil the surprise.”

“Oh, I didn’t get this from the Emdee. It’s my …” Her smile went softly sly. “… motherly intuition.”

He felt a sudden pulse against his palm and laughed. “Motherly intuition, huh? With a kick that hard? Definitely a girl.”

Since Padme didn’t want be informed about the baby gender, I too think Anakin respected her wish thus didn’t try “sense” the child via Force (while later, he didn’t try to connect to still unborn kid to not burden the child(s) with his worries and despair induced by nightmares).

But this fragments also makes me think, that Leia and Luke probably could feel their mother’s constant fear of being outed; that the truth about her and Anakin marriage will finally come out and destroy their lifes. Padme was worried when she told Anakin about pregnancy and the closer to delivery, the more paranoid she became (like Anakin, you shouldn’t be out here. It’s still daylight-“, or ”But we’re in full view of a million people, and you’re a very famous man. Let’s go inside.“). So Luke and Leia may subconsciously hide their presence in the Force, since Padme’s fear made it pretty clear there is something dangerous out there. What I like to think actually helped them in future to slip unnoticed for so many years pre-ANH.

Let me preface this by saying this is LONG. 

After a second read through of ACOSF, I really think it’s clear that Elriel will be featured in the next book. Sooo, book by book, I’ve complied excerpts that show the progression of Elain and Azriel’s relationship and why I think the next book will feature them. I’m not going to be adding a lot of commentary, just my general interpretation of the scene. The excerpts speak for themselves. 

His shadows peered over his wings at her.

The young priestess smiled and Azriel thought it might have been directed at his curious shadows.

Even his shadows had calmed. As if content to lounge on his shoulders and watch.

He could have sworn a faint, beautiful singing followed him. Could have sworn his shadows sang in answer.

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

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

Cassian glanced over at Az, but his attention was fixed on the young priestess, admiration and quiet encouragement shining from his face.

Azriel went wholly still, as if he, too, had felt the shift. As if he, too, were aware that far larger forces peered into that training ring as Gwyn moved.

Something sparked in Azriel's chest, but he only nodded his thanks and left. He could picture it, though, as he ascended the stairs back to the House proper. How Gwyn's teal eyes might light upon seeing the necklace. For whatever reason... he could see it. But Azriel tucked away the thought, consciously erasing the slight smile it brought to his face. Buried the image down deep, where it glowed quietly. A thing of secret, lovely beauty.

And I’m supposed to read this and act like it means nothing???

Azriel: Ye—

Gwyn: Great. I want to learn how to use one.

Azriel: Cassian knows how to use a dagger, too, why not ask him?

Gwyn: Oh, is he better? I’ll go ask him then—

Elain would have to change herself completely to be with Azriel.

Azriel would have to hide things about himself in shame to feel like he could be with Elain.

This is why E/riel will never work.

This is why there’s many people who don’t want E/riel to happen. It’s toxic. It’s not healthy. It’s not authentic nor them being authentically themselves.

Meanwhile:

Lucien thrives in social settings, loves people, is literal sunshine, hates violence—all things Elain can relate to.

Gwyn has been in the shadows, sees his shadows and accepts them with not a single thought, has already witnessed Azriel’s darkness and has not been frightened. She thrives in quiet and peace of close friends, content to be alone when she needs it.

We know the Azriel bonus chapter ends with him thinking about gwyns eyes lighting up, how he buries the image of them deep down where it glows quietly:

Well look how the Nessian chapter ends, it ends with the thought of Nesta's eyes on him and the feeling of it chases him all the way back to Velaris:

Az calmly asking Nesta why she isn't training. Not as a means to insult her, but just asking because he cares about her and her feelings. Nesta being so worried about Az in the Bog of Oorid that she demands that Cassian leave her in a tree so he can go back to rescue Az. Az being absolutely frantic when they can't find Nesta in the Bog. Nesta and Az dancing together. Nesta going up to talk to Az, and comfort him, when she notices him being more aloof than usual at Winter Solstice. Az buying her a present specifically for her, knowing she wasn't able to buy him a gift in return, and giving it to her in front of everyone. Nesta being so excited that she jumps up and flings her arms around Az. Az chuckling and squeezing her gently. Nesta trying so hard to get Az to smile at her. Az and Nesta going back-to-back to fight the Middengard Wyrm. Az coaxing the Mask off of Nesta, grabbing her as she falls and bringing her to his chest, stroking her hair gently. Nesta and Az walking side by side after that ordeal, not wanting to be too far from each other. Nesta sticking up for Az when Bryce calls him a creep. Az boasting about Nesta spectacularly beheading the King of Hybern. Az saying Nesta is someone he loves and asking for her forgiveness, to which she says that there's nothing to forgive. Az quickly flinging his arm in front of Nesta to protect her when the door to the chamber starts to open. Nesta using her magic to let Az through the wards, which he walks through without a shred of fear. Az and Nesta working in perfect tandom to distract Bryce and to try and gain an advantage over Vesperus. Injured Nesta leaning against Az for support.

Az wrapping Gwyn in his cloak after she endures an incredibly traumatic event. Az originally wanting to be alone, but staying with Gwyn, even after she gives him an out. Gwyn teasing Az. Gwyn is comfortable around Az enough to practice cutting the ribbon with him watching. Az showing her how to properly rotate her blade and not once thinking of his scarred hands, even though she's staring right at them. Gwyn is absolutely irreverent to Az being a shadowsinger. Gwyn causing Az's shadows to sing and dance. Az, who normally has an unreadable face, has admiration and quiet encouragement shining from his face while watching Gwyn prepare to cut the ribbon. Gwyn challenging Az.

October 27th can’t get here soon enough!