HCW

A girl who loves theories

[hcw2964]

If SJM turns Elain into a warrior I’ll be so upset

[cakesunflower]

reasons why Elriel is endgame because it’s so goddamn obvious

Elain starting a conversation with Azriel (because he seemed the most approachable to her) during their dinner at the Archeron Estate.

Elain wearing a cobalt blue dress (matching the color of Azriel’s siphons) when the mortal Queens came to visit.

Azriel sitting with Elain in the garden, arguably the one who spent the most time with her during a time she wasn’t speaking to anyone after turning Fae.

Azriel being the only one who figured there was something more to what Elain was saying in regards to her visions and then being the one to figure out she is a Seer.

Feyre asking Rhys why Azriel and Elain couldn’t be mates, wondering if Azriel is who she needs.

Azriel being the one to realize Elain was missing when Hybern kidnapped her, and him being dead set on rescuing her.

Elain saying “you came for me” when he and Feyre found her.

Elain being the only person Azriel allowed to use Truth-Teller in all of the centuries he has had it.

DEATH AND THE LOVELY FAWN!!!! DARK AND LIGHT!!! DEATH AND LIFE!!!

Azriel not wanting to keep tabs on Lucien because it would be an invasion of Elain’s privacy.

Azriel sitting with Elain late into the night, listening to her plans for the garden.

Elain buying presents for Azriel on Solstice, but never buying them for Lucien.

Azriel staying up at night, staring at the first gift Elain gave him.

Elain finds Azriel approachable, someone she can talk to (and obviously has feelings for), but shrinks into herself and becomes quiet whenever Lucien is around.

Azriel subtly defending Elain when Amren snapped at her during dinner in ACOFAS (“I’d feel bad for the mice).

Feyre noting multiple times that Elain moves quietly, is a good secret keeper (foreshadowing Elain becoming a spy)

Elain’s best friends are Nuala and Cerridwen aka the spies for the Night Court aka Azriel’s spies

Rhysand trained Feyre, Cassian trained Nesta. . . Azriel is going to train Elain.

Azriel following the sound of Elain’s laugh. Something charged passing through the air (Nesta notices) when their eyes meet.

THEIR ALMOST KISS???? HELLO???

Azriel being in a shitty mood after Solstice when Rhys forbade him from being near Elain

Azriel asking “what happened to Elain?” when Cassian mentions the argument between her and Nesta.

Azriel’s shadows being ready to strike at Nesta when she said to Elain “maybe you’ll become interesting after all.”

Nesta knowing why Azriel stayed far from Elain and Lucien during Solstice because he could smell their mating bond and it made him sick enough to stay far away.

Elain immediately wanting to wear the necklace Azriel got her, meanwhile she obviously rejects/dislikes the gifts Lucien has bought for her.

It’s 3 brothers (the bat boys) and 3 sisters (the Archerons). 3 mountain peaks. 3 items in the Trove. 3 is a big number for SJM. You don’t think that has any significance?? Think again!

The cauldron has been said to be corrupted. Mor has mentioned it, Azriel questioned if the cauldron was wrong, and (SPOILER) its corruption is noted in House of Flame and Shadow, too. There’s a chance it fucked up (or maliciously formed) the mating bond for Elain.

Whether or not Elain’s real mate is Azriel, her bond with Lucien brings up the idea of rejecting the mating bond. There’s a reason SJM had Feyre asking Rhys if mating bonds can be rejected. Elain’s choices have been stripped from her, time and time again. No control over her life since her family lost their fortune, turning Fae against her will, losing Grayson.

SJM has said her books are about the female protagonists finding their agency. Elain’s book is going to be about that, obviously, and rejecting the bond with Lucien and CHOOSING Azriel is no doubt going to be a part of that. Along with whatever SJM has in store for Elain.

Feysand are Night Triumphant and Stars Eternal. Nessian are Lord of Bloodshed and Lady Death. Elriel are Death and the Lovely Fawn. There’s a reason SJM has these titles. You gotta be blind not to see it.

anyways! if you can’t see how all of this is gonna lead to an Elriel endgame then i feel sorry for you

also back in 2021 when we were all in lockdown and i had nothing better to do (and because i am a writer and a little insane) i wrote a whole essay after ACOSF was published explaining why i think Elriel is endgame (i’m pretty sure i use all of the points here in the essay) and if you wanna read my musings that are all derived from fact you can read it here!!!!!

[tswaney17]

Pregnant Elriel on Solstice featuring their adopted son, Kaden. ❄🎄✨

This idea came to life based off my Oh Baby AU. While this is a different version of the AU, we couldn’t help but think of the possibilities of Elain and Azriel building a family together, whether that is through conception, adoption, or anything in between.

We are so excited to bring this idea to life, and there wasn’t anybody else who could’ve made this artwork as gorgeous as it is than luxury_banshee. She was incredible to work with and her style never disappoints. The moment she showed us the first glimpse, we all fell in love. Thank you, lovely, for this stunning piece. It’s better than imagined! 💕❄️🎄

Do Not Repost

🎨 luxury_banhsee (IG) | Comm by: me, @123moiaussi, @silverlinedeyes, mtolypuslibrary (IG), zannareads (IG), and Liv

Characters belong to Sarah J. Maas

[hcw2964]

Yesss finally someone drew them with a son. I see so many people think they suit a girl but I can def see azriel rescuing a young boy abandoned or parents died in a war and Azriel seeing himself in him and taking him home to elain

[sanktadu]

One of the biggest problems with Sarah J. Maas writing is that her female characters have to learn to fight or have occult powers to be LEGENDARY.

This selective feminism about SJM characters bothers me A LOT. And I see your fans mocking or demanding that Elain has to become a warrior, otherwise she is useless for the plot.

Women don't need swords or powers to be awesome. Female characters without masculinity is IMPORTANT.

Daenerys Targaryen, Margaery Tyrell, Sansa Stark and Alysanne Targaryen are sensational FEMALE characters who don't need a sword or super powers to be awesome, just diplomacy, strategy and communication. The greatest power of these characters is their brains.

I'm disgusted to see posts saying that Elain is useless for loving flowers and not being a warrior.

I have no problem with female warriors, I love many, but all SJM's standout characters are the same in this regard.

[hcw2964]

100% agree. The blood rite comes to mind when I think of unrealistic female warriors. There is no way in a thousand years that in the few short months, gwyn, emerie, and Nesta won the blood rite against all these Illyrian warriors that have trained for years. It’s like their win was meant to convince us the girls could beat cassian, Rhys and azriel. It would have been more impactful and realistic if they just managed to survive.

Its this scene in particular that I’m scared for the future of elain. She already has so much hate for being a traditionally feminine character that if SJM does turn her into a warrior it would prove her anti’s right. That she needs to learn how to fight to be “interesting.” I’d love to see a political elain who defeats men with her mind and as soon as she walks into a room naturally commands an audience. Who can use her beauty against men and draw information from their minds and slipping poison into their drinks. But with those she loves she still keeps her kind positive personality that makes you wonder if they are the same person.

In regards to aelin I do think her training was realistic but her able to defeat Manon was not. Manon is hundreds of years old who could go toe to toe with one of the cadre’s if she wanted to. It would have been more interesting if aelin was loosing but still managed to hold her own and that’s how they form their friendship because Manon sees Aelins skills.

[hcw2964]

What should I read first?

Soooo I want to read ‘red queen’. Purely because I’m aware it is getting a tv show. I want to read it before the show comes out because I never got the experience of reading shadow and bone before the show. It has been on my tbr for a while but never had any interest in reading it ... now I do.

But I also want to read ‘cruel Prince’. It has so many mixed reviews but I’ve kinda figured it’s because people were expecting romance and was more political. Which I don’t mind. As long as it has some type of romance or hints, I’m fine. (Honestly, I’m just a curious b*tch. Also I hear Cardan has a tail? 😳)

Lastly, I want to read ‘an ember in the ashes’. I have no idea what this series is about but I’m always seeing fan art and people crying about it on booktok. I want to cry too... also Elias looks and sounds sexy sooo...

Ps: I’m aware cruel Prince is not a romance book. Do I like romance? Yes 100%. Is it a necessity for it to be the focal point? No. Hope that helps :)

Edit:

Thank you everyone for the replies! I honestly really appreciate it! So far we have 2 for ‘an ember in the ashes’ and 2 for ‘red queen’ whatever choice the next commenter chooses out of these two will be my next series read. I’m almost finished ‘finale’ the last book in the Caraval series so I can’t wait for a new world to visit :)

I just need one more vote!

[hcw2964]

Bryce + Hunt = Endgame

I don’t know if I’m just really slow (probably) but I just noticed this and if Bryce and Hunt don’t get together will be a waste.

Hunt’s real name is Orion which in Greek mythology is a constellation in the sky. You pair that with Bryce’s starborn powers and you have a beautiful symbolic couple.

This picture above shows and history and journey of the Greek mythology Orion. (Side note - how did I just realise Orion is the god of hunting? And Orion in crescent city goes by the name Hunt🤦🏾‍♀️) above it states ‘Orion was a (...) son of Poseidon’ this gives us a clue as to Hunt real father being an Asteri or another god-like being.

What is scaring me is ‘ he was later brought back from the underworld and became the god of hunting.’ As we know SJM loves her retellings, so is Hunts story/ journey a possible origin story to becoming ‘god of hunting?’ The underworld has strong links to Aidas and his brothers being princes of Hel.

I got a few ideas/ theories that will probably never come true but would still love to know what you guys think.

Hunt’s father is a god or the original god of hunting which is part of the reason his mother named him that. Hunt’s father dies and Hunt takes his fathers title.

Hunt is going to die at the end of one of the crescent city books and Bryce is going to make a constellation in his memory. And the next book will explore Hunts journey through the Underworld with the help of Aidas as he re-emerge a god.

Unfortunately I do believe that Bryce will be the one to kill him. Whether that is Hunt protecting her or Bryce accidentally killing him, making the Oracle’s statement “stay away from Bryce” have consequences.

Aidas, being a very sneaky guy, I believe has his own intentions and wants Hunt to become a god for his own purposes.

This is all I got 😂. This wasn’t a long post but I’m curious as to what you all think.

[ink-insomnia]

I have been thinking about this for a while now and I don't think I want Darlington and Alex to have any smut scenes in the second book. Or ever, for that matter.

Alex clearly has a lot of sexual trauma from her childhood as well as from her last relationship. So much so that she was unfazed when Darlington, a man who was supposed to be her mentor, grabbed her thigh in the middle of a room where, apparently, an orgy was taking place. It just goes to show that she is used to people grabbing her and/or forcing themselves on her. I don't even think she has a very clear understanding of consent when it comes to herself because she's so used to people not caring about her consent. I want to see at least one conversation where they both talk about this after they get together and set boundaries.

I want them to be together, obviously, but first I want alex to heal.

[hcw2964]

Absolutely agree. Do I want Alex and Darlington together? Yes! But healing should come first

[fiercelittlenobody]

I know people think the 3 sisters and 3 brothers is kind of trite, but isn’t it going to be weird if it’s just 2/3 sisters/brothers? Like if it happens the brothers will be “real” brothers now, I kind of like the cliche.

[psychee92]

Azriel and Elain | True Mates Theory (+Evidence) 

This is the plot twist that I never knew I wanted until someone brought it up, and now I can’t unsee it. I know that there are many posts about this out there, so my post only adds more evidence to the Elriel = true mates theory. Please keep in mind that this is a pro-Elriel theory/post so if that’s not your cup of tea, this is where you should stop reading.

I will begin with the scene that inspired this post because it made me connect it to something that Feyre says in both, ACOMAF and ACOWAR:

We know that Feyre was influenced by the mating bond—the silence, the emptiness in her chest—was due to Rhys’s powers being contained, him being hurt, or (ACOWAR Spoiler) him being dead.

But how could Azriel know what that feeling in your chest—the one caused by your mate being restrained, hurt, or dead—means?

He couldn’t… unless he’s experienced it before.

Keep reading

[the-wilderness]

3 sisters. 3 brothers. It's fate.

[hcw2964]

The night court symbol is 3 stars (batboys) 3 mountains/“sister peaks” (3 sisters)

[hcw2964]

Why I think Bryce and hunt are endgame!

I was sceptical to read crescent city because I am aware of SJM always switching love interests, which is honestly something I love about her books. She always surprises us but in the end we fell in love with Rhys and Rowan. This is a reason why I was hesitant to read CC as i expected to fall in love with Hunt and won’t be able to handle the potential break up.

But after sitting on it for a few weeks I do believe Bryce and hunt are endgame.

Firstly, SJM love interest formula always ends with the third. (Aelin: Sam, Chaol, Rowan) (Feyre: Issac, Tamlin, Rhysand) (Bryce: Reid, Connor, Hunt) the only difference is that Feyre and Aelin got with their endgame MUCH later on.

It is also important to note that Feyre and Aelin were teenagers while Bryce is 25. With feyre and Aelin you were suppose to read about their heartbreak so that they can find happiness with the right guy. Bryce did not need an entire book about getting over Connor, or dealing with Reid and their break up. She is a grown woman who knows what she wants.

Then there is the fact that I’ve noticed some people aren’t really feeling Hunts character. Everyone is entitled to their own feelings but I’m going to try and explain peoples reasons.

1. Hunt lied to Bryce

Ok? Let me remind you that Rowan and Rhys have done their fair share of harmful acts. Rowan verbally and physically attacked Aelin. He threatened to whip her, called her worthless, told her she should have died 10 years ago and punched her in the face (granted they both attacked each other). Then we have Rhys who assaulted Feyre under the mountain (which a lot of you just brush under the rug) and hid the fact that she was going to die from pregnancy because he wanted to keep her “safe” (which sounds very similar to Tamlin locking feyre up to keep her “safe” but that’s a topic for another post 👀). All these flying men have shown their faults. You forgive one, you forgive the others.

2. Aidas is Bryce’s endgame

I can’t confirm or deny this because I do not know what SJM has planned but I will say why this relationship would be... wrong. Firstly, Aidas as far as we know has known and met Bryce when she was 13. It is not the age gap that makes me uncomfortable because bare in mind this is fantasy and SJM, but it was the age that they met. Hunt, Rowan, and Rhys are very much older, but they get the exception because they met their girls 18+. Aidas to me gives me very much Suriel vibes. He knows all the tea and will help Bryce whenever she calls on him. I do still want to learn more about Aidas and his brothers, and I do know that Princes/ Demons of hell are all the rage now in fantasy but I really hope they are not endgame.

3. Hunt does not give me endgame SJM vibes

What is it that does not give you those vibes? He has wings✅ third love interest✅ “I see you” vibes✅ one of a kind power✅ slow burn✅ the Malakim get on their knees for hunt and bow while looking at him as their leader✅ risked his life to protect Bryce from the explosion✅ the only way I would understand why people would feel different is if he was just an ordinary warrior. We still do not know who his dad is and where he got his unique lightning that has the power to kill and archangel which opens the door for so much story for him to tell which I feel like we didn’t really get with Rowan and Rhys. They knew who their parents where, they had their solid friend group, understood their power, they knew their status in society and was just there for support in aelin and feyre’s story and love interest. Crescent city feels like Bryce and Hunts story, people are always going to try and break them apart. (The oracle saying something along the lines of Hunt staying away from Bryce, but where’s the fun in that if it actually comes true?) They will face obstacles, they may separate for a while, but this is their journey to happiness and peace together.

4. Bryce will leave Hunt when she no longer needs him

I’ve seen this argument a lot, especially on TikTok. SJM literally heals her characters trauma through love. And that is not a bad thing. They grow together and see themselves as both partners heal and discover happiness and love. Why is it only a problem when it’s Hunt and Bryce? Their relationship is pure and beautiful. (The shower scene😭)

In conclusion, I’m 99% sure Bryce and hunt are endgame.

[hcw2964]

Elain’s wiki page

Azriels wiki page

This probably doesn’t mean much but still kinda confusing 🤔

[nestaswinecabinet]

ok so idk how many books sjm has planned for the acotar series but if i was her this is how i would plan it to go

acotar

acomaf

acowar

acofas

acosf

a court of midnight songs - book about a “love” triangle forming between azriel, gwyn, and elain. elain doesn’t outright reject the bond with lucien but she’s like open to exploring things with az. but on the side, az and gwyn start getting really close and figure out they are mates (gwyn is also heir to the spring court - she’s tampon’s daughter). this sets elain off because she once again feels like she is being tossed aside by the one person she wants (az and greyson) and she ends up being courted (excuse the pun) by korschei and goes to him on the continent… basically elain becomes the villain (midnight = shadows, songs = gwyn is a singer, az is a shadowsinger)

a court of burning prophecies - elain is now the big bad, so lucien has to stop his mate. the band of exiles and the inner circle and the valkyries all come together with the other high lords of prythian (tampon get his shit together bc of gwyn) to go to the continent and stop the human queens and korschei/elain. lucien during this book realizes his true parentage (and his sick ass powers) and just fucking dominates. nesta becomes in tune with the Mother and feyre becomes even more in tune with the power from the high lords and there’s like this epic battle between the three sisters where feyre and nesta are able to subdue elain (feyre has a hold on elain with her magic and then nesta/ the Mother break elain’s bond with korschei). during the battle of the three sisters, lucien and everyone else are trying to stop korschei and are kinda failing until the sisters are able to join in against him. then it kinda mimics the story of the three illyrian warriors who the mountains are named after. elain then sacrifices herself to be able to kill korschei (like the illyrian warrior did, like nesta did during the rite, like feyre did under the mountain) but the mother takes pity on her and brings her back…. and idk how to end it from there (burning = lucien fire powers, prophecies = elain is a seer) 

(the 6&7 titles follow the format that sjm set with it not being silver and flames but silver flames)

and yeah this is my ideal actor series ender - HOWEVER i am obviously not sjm when she goes a different route than this (because she will) i will gladly support whatever route she takes because this is her world (as long as she’s not problematic) and because we are not toxic acotar fans in this household – also like i said before this is just one of directions that i could see this series being taken in. 

this is for fun. no hate towards anyone/their ships/sjm/don’t be sensitive so don’t come for me or i’ll fuck your mom and dad 

[hcw2964]

I came to the #elriel post to see azriel and elain happily together. Not elain being the villain because she is jealous of gwyn and az then having to fight her sisters and killed, while “tampon” gets his happy ending.

You say “no hate” but you purposely tag #elriel knowing we won’t be happy and will obviously defend the ship. I’m sure you already know how toxic the ship war is so please untag #elriel

[forget-me-not-s]

Shadows and the power of divination

I was rereading Empire of Storms the other day and I found a ton of similarities between Aelin and Rowan with Elriel. The Elriel fandom has always thought that the couple in TOG that had more similarities with Elriel was Elorcan, as Elide is similar to Elain in so many aspects. I know there have been posts about those similarities before so I won’t go into much detail.  This post won’t contain spoilers for TOG besides that quote from EOS. It discuses the potential connection between shadows and divination/seers:

Keep reading

[hcw2964]

Why can’t I now unsee that rhysand is maleficent. He interrupted feyre’s wedding, maleficent interrupted aurora’s baby shower (I think It was a baby shower. I can’t remember.) rhysand made the bargain with feyre, maleficent cursed Aurora - both are permanent and can’t be undone. he is stopping elriel from being together, maleficent was stopping Prince Philip and Aurora from being together lol.

I know, I know there’s the sleeping beauty theory and that maleficent is koschei in elriel’s story, but what if it’s rhysand🤔

I’m joking... but at the same time I’m not lol

[dreaming-of-azriel-deactivated2]

Elain at the beginning of Az’s POV

Elain once she found out what Rhys did

[hcw2964]

Why can’t I now unsee that rhysand is maleficent. He interrupted feyre’s wedding, maleficent interrupted aurora’s baby shower (I think It was a baby shower. I can’t remember.) rhysand made the bargain with feyre, maleficent cursed Aurora - both are permanent and can’t be undone. he is stopping elriel from being together, maleficent was stopping Prince Philip and Aurora from being together lol.

I know, I know there’s the sleeping beauty theory and that maleficent is koschei in elriel’s story, but what if it’s rhysand🤔

Lollll I’m joking... but at the same time I’m not

[elrieliscannon]

Idk if I have just become extremely defensive over elriel, but am I the only one who thinks it’s disrespectful to see comments under an artists post that say things like

“I don’t like those two together, but it’s a beautiful drawing.”

“I can’t stand Elain, but I love your art 😍”

“I just picture this art with red hair and I’m happy 😊

Like what’s the point in that? I’ve seen some beautiful Gwynriel art and I just like it and move on. Maybe I’m just automatically assuming it’s Elriel hate, but these comments get on my nerves.

[hcw2964]

It reminds me of a backhanded complement. It’s giving “your pretty but I don’t like your personality”