🌵

She/Her  | 🌱 Will not shut up about Elriel until further notice 🌹 🦇

[lady-surieldown]

June 4th - Yet another difficult week for Velaris' amateur prophets

[acourtofquietdreamers]

Nothing screams desperation like worming your way into an author’s friend’s DMs to spam her with art and bait her into talking about your fav side character because you think it wins you points in a ship war.

News flash:

Sarah’s friends appreciating art and a character does not make said character the next FMC. Sarah loving the characters she creates does not mean they will all get their own book and romance.

The art you commission has NO IMPACT on the story Sarah has already written.

It’s no wonder Sarah doesn’t engage with us when her fandom is full of parasocial weirdos.

[lady-surieldown]

"Elain is so boring, SJM doesn't even like her!" (Pt. 1)

This is just from the main trilogy, I'm leaving out so many more moments.

Sarah has written beautiful scenes for Elain that not only build her character, and some people love to pretend don't exist, but that have ultimately changed the fate of the main characters and the war, too:

Convincing Nesta to let Feyre and the fae into the Archeron estate,

Scrying for The Suriel,

Saving Nesta and Cassian's life by murdering the King of Hybern with Truth Teller;

Just to name a few.

So for the people who are so convinced that Elain is some background character with no importance, no relevance, no character development who doesn't even deserve her own book: I strongly encourage you to practice conscious reading because missing all of these and more is actually kind of pathetic.

I say this with love, such a low level of reading comprehension should worry you.

[mortalfae7]

The T.mlin stans on Reddit are so triggered by the IC sub it’s embarrassing. There is a reason why dedicated subs exist but these people are dumb af and don’t get it.

[dusktobloom]

I just know Elriel are going to be absolutely feral. Bites, hickeys, marks... Azriel completely losing it at the sight of Elain covered in his marks, and Elain making sure he wears hers, making it crystal clear that he's hers and nothing's ever going to change that.

We all know they've been dying to touch each other, and when they finally do, there's no way either of them is going to hold back. They're going to make sure it's something they'll never forget.

[mortalfae7]

Not once in my life would I ever think about contacting people close to SJM and spamming them with Elriel 😭😭 The stalking, the spamming… it’s all so weird. And those poor people probably have to be nice for Sarah’s sake. Being this parasocial with an author is on another level.

Just imagine Sarah’s or even Josh’s inbox 🤡

—-

But contacting companies is an absolute no go if you ask them 💀

[nikethestatue]

SJM: I write about women coming into their power.

Gwynriels and Eluciens: yes, that’s nice, but have you considered writing a forced arranged marriage where neither party is interested? That’s zesty!

[mortalfae7]

„Sarah J Maas never tried a forced marriage plot“

Yeah well… because the author you claim to love writes about women’s choices. And I think she made her views on forced marriages pretty clear in CC.

[rosenecklaces]

The same people that allegedly can't believe Gwyneth is a lightsinger even after the foreshadowing(s) and S*M deadass addressing a theory of a lightsinger are the same that will be dead serious about her and Azriel being mates like it has any touch with reality. their asses will always deserve to be bring back down to earth

[sakurakittypeach]

i hope elain chooses her own love and forges her own path instead of succumbing to the whims of fate vs elain should give lucien a chance bc he's such a nice guy

[elainarcherondefenseattorney]

Friendly reminder that Elain has not spoken a word to Lucien since she spoke a single sentence to him in acofas. And she only spoke a single sentence to him in acofas. Two books. One sentence.

Not one single word on page in acosf. Over 800 pages. And you want me to believe thats a romance sjm is giving us..lol ok

If you have read more than more romance series you would see the writing on the wall. It says “these two characters are not meant to be romantic!”

Elain deserves better than a man she doesn’t want to speak to, a man she shrink away from.

Sjm is doing a good job writing about how terrible forced marriage is.

[lady-surieldown]

"Sarah loves arranged marriage!"

"Unless Her Higness decides to be useful and gain us men and arms through marriage"—a sharp glance at Rowan—"we are alone." (...) Perhaps the gods did hate her. Perhaps this was her test. To escape one form of enslavement only to walk into another. Perhaps this was the punishment for those years in Rifthold's riches. Empire of Storms - Chapter 5.

"Its been decreed." (...) "By her sire, the Autumn King, and mine, the High King of the Avallen Fae." (...) "You're an unwed Fae female," Cormac said, unmoved. "That means you belong to your male kin until they decide to pass you to another. The decision has been made." House of Sky and Breath - Chapter 4.

Bryce truly wasn't sure if Jesiba was serious. She sighed again. "I don't suppose you have any insights as to why the Autumn King suddenly decided to ruin my life." Jessiba tsked. "Males will always try to control the females who scare them. Marriage and breeding are their go-to methods." House of Sky and Breath - Chapter 8.

Sathia said with impressive coldness, “It is within my rights to refuse any suitor presented to me.” Morven gave her a look dripping with distaste. “It is, girl. Just as it is within your father’s rights to disown you for failing in your duty to continue the family bloodline.” Bryce grumbled, “So what’s the point of giving females refusal rights at all if you punish them for it? House of Flame and Shadow - Chapter 48

Sathia goes on to enter a marriage of convenience, because it was that or be sent back to the Asteri to likely die. Y'all should know the difference by now, stop saying it was an arranged marriage situation when the actual arranged marriage was something Sathia was running from, that FMC Bryce was very against, and that Sarah has repeatedly presented as a horrific outcome that takes away a woman's right to choose throughout all her books.

Not once has Sarah written an arranged marriage in a positive light so miss me with this bullshit that it's something "she'd love to write."

And forced marriage is a violation of human rights, stop trying to turn this into a romantic thing, you "feminist queens" for fuck's sake.

[shadowyfawn]

“We spam SJM’s friend with G/ynriel fanart hehe”

That’s… that’s called stalking 😭

[psychologynerd]

Hand-to-Hand

We learn in ACOSF Azriel is not a fan of “hand-to-hand” combat, as it is “too close” for his tastes. Azriel, whose hands were burned in childhood by his brothers, who is quite introverted, quiet, and selective with his touch, humor, and presence, does not readily touch many people in the series. One person he consistently and almost exclusively offers his hands and time to, is Elain.

In my opinion, Sarah brought his dislike of hand-to-hand combat and closeness to our attention to show us something. I believe that something is his selectivity, exclusivity, and gentleness as it pertains to closeness and touch. I have seen some discuss Azriel’s gentleness with Elain as a bad thing, but I disagree.

Azriel is extremely gentle, dare I say, even when he’s using his hands for torture…which we’re meant to see in this contrast that Sarah makes about the dynamic nature of Azriel’s character. I would argue that Azriel isn’t brash in the violent use of his hands- he’s thoughtful and considerate in a different way- but by no means brash. I would never describe Azriel as irreverent, even when he is engaged in torture.

“Cassian could have sworn Nesta’s fingers stalled on the laces of her boots. He drawled, “Nothing at all. We’re starting on hand-to-hand combat.”

“My least favorite,” Azriel said.

Toeing off her boots, Nesta asked, “Why?”

Az observed her, striding barefoot into the ring. “I like swordplay better. Hand-to-hand is too close for my tastes.” (ACOSF, p 340)

Azriel, graceful as any courtier, offered her an arm. I couldn’t tell if she was looking at his blue Siphon or at his scarred skin beneath as she breathed, “Beautiful.” Color bloomed high on Azriel’s golden-brown cheeks, but he inclined his head in thanks and led my sister toward the back doors into the garden, sunlight bathing them. (ACOWAR, p 347) set her down gently on the foyer carpet, having carried her in through the front door.

He set her down gently on the foyer carpet, having carried her in through the front door.

Elain peered up at his patient, solemn face.

Azriel smiled faintly. “Would you like me to show you the garden?” (ACOWAR, p 346)

“I can help her,” said Azriel, stepping to the table as Elain silently rose. No shadows at his ear, no darkness ringing his fingers as he extended a hand. Nesta monitored him like a hawk, but kept silent as Elain took his hand, and out they went. (ACOWAR, p 426)

“It has never failed me once,” the shadowsinger said, the midday sun devoured by the dark blade. “Some people say it is magic and will always strike true.” He gently took her hand and pressed the hilt of the legendary blade into it. “It will serve you well.”

Elain looked up at Azriel, their eyes meeting, his hand still lingering on the hilt of the blade. (ACOWAR, p 811)

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. Help—he needed a healer immediately. (ACOWAR, p 774)

Then Azriel, gently taking Elain’s hand in his own, as if afraid his scars would hurt her. (ACOWAR, p 645)

Azriel gently removed the gag from her mouth. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, devouring the sight of him as if not quite believing it. “You came for me.” The shadowsinger only inclined his head. (ACOWAR, p 763)

“She gave it back,” I amended, failing to block out the image of the black blade piercing through the King of Hybern’s throat. But Elain had given it back—had pressed it into Azriel’s hands after the battle, just as he had pressed it into hers before. And then walked away without looking back. (ACOSAF, p 60)

But Azriel only took Elain’s heavy dish of potatoes from her hands, his voice soft as night as he said, “Sit. I’ll take care of it.” (ACOSAF, p 135)

Azriel is gentle and considerate when offering touch to others besides Elain. The only other times he does so is with Feyre’s wings, with which he thoroughly asks permission and Mor, who pulls her hand away. He also grabs Cassian’s hand when he tries to dig-in to the meal Elain assisted in preparing ahead of her return to the table (if that is not husband and wife vibes…) He is careful. He is considerate. And he is…gentle.

Azriel’s hands, for all their scarring, were featherlight as he grasped and touched certain areas, patting and tapping others. (ACOWAR, p 285)

Mor opened her mouth, but Azriel laid a scarred hand atop hers.

She snatched her hand back as if she’d been burned—burned as he had been.

Azriel’s mask of cold didn’t so much as waver at the rejection. Though Eris chuckled softly. Enough to make Azriel’s hazel eyes…(ACOWAR, p 368)

Azriel’s scarred fingers wrapped around his wrist. “Wait,” Azriel said, nothing but command in his voice. (ACOFAS, p 135)

Getting Azriel to take any time for himself that didn’t involve work or training was nearly impossible. And when I pointed out that he did go to Rita’s with her whenever she asked, Mor simply informed me that it had taken her four centuries to get him to do that. (ACOMAF, p 507)

Peaceful. Quiet. Gentle.

And I think Elain—Elain would like it, too. Though she’d probably cling to Azriel, just to have some peace and quiet.”

I smiled at the thought—at how handsome they would be together. (ACOWAR, p 654)

That I would never be a gentle grower of things, or someone who burned like fire—but that I would.. (ACOMAF, p654)

Elain, who Nesta would have killed and whored and stolen for. Elain, who had been gentle and sweet. Elain, who was to marry a lord’s son who hated faeries … (ACOMAF, p 807)

Spring bloomed—the air gentle and scented with roses. (ACOMAF, p 829)

Elain had always been gentle and sweet—and I had considered it a different sort of strength. A better strength. To look at the hardness of the world and choose, over and over, to love, to be kind. She had been always so full of light. (ACOWAR, p 215)

Elain sat silently at one of the wrought-iron tables, a cup of tea before her. Azriel was sprawled on the chaise longue across the gray stones, sunning his wings and reading what looked to be a stack of reports—likely information on the Autumn Court that he planned to present to Rhys once he’d sorted through it all. Already dressed for the Hewn City—the brutal, beautiful armor so at odds with the lovely garden. And my sister sitting within it. (ACOWAR, p 351)

These two are peak comfort and peace. Peak hand-on-hand gentleness. Marital bliss.

[merymoonbeam]

I like how the only way elriels can sleep at night is pretending that the bonus chapters don’t exist. SJM purposefully left that there pretending to think otherwise is delusional 💀 Mates feel pulls even when they’re not there can’t say the same for light singers one who was not there. Screaming light singer into the void is not helping you the way you think it is

It is helping me but it seems to bother you the way you keep going at it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Mates feel a pull but...lemme check what did azriel did for 2 years after gwyn was rescued? Oh got the hots for Elain and has been jerking to her and her pleasure for one of those 2 years while gwyn was just 600meters ground sweeping floors. Have a worse day. 🫡

[sakurakittypeach]

whilst i'm here, i just want to say there is not a shred of evidence in the books to even suggest gwyn and azriel are mates.

azriel demonstrates no mate-like behaviour toward gwyn. there is no evidence to suggest gwyn likes azriel as a mate would.

there's a lot of baseless claims about "mate-language" in this fandom which have been debunked by people far cleverer than i am and even if they weren't

mate-like behaviour takes precedence over "mate language" every single time.

i would argue that azriel has shown more protective instincts over feyre than he does gwyn.

but there's only one person azriel reacts like a mate to, and it's elain.

it's so obvious i could fucking cry.

[fawnsgarden]

recently, i read this beautiful poem called love by eileen chang and it reminded me of elain and azriel's dynamic (of how love can feel like recognition and something familiar). of all the possible places their story could lead, i keep coming back to the thought, "oh, you're here, too?"

This is true. There was a village girl from a middle-class family, she was born a beauty, many people came to play matchmaker, but none [of the negotiations] succeeded. That year she wasn't more than about 15 or 16 years old, and one spring evening, she stood at the back door, with her hand on the peach tree. She remembers she was wearing a moon-white shirt. [She had seen] the young man across the way but they had never greeted each other, but had never greeted each other, he walked over, no great distance, stood still, and in a soft voice said: "Oh, you’re here too?" She didn't say anything, and he said nothing else, just stood there a moment, and then each went on their way. It was over just like that. Later, this girl was abducted by her relatives and sold as a concubine [to a man] in another county. She was resold again and again. After passing through countless dangers and storms, when she had grown old, she still remembered that one thing, and she often mentioned that spring night, under the peach tree at the back door, and the young man there. Among all the thousands of people you meet, in all the thousands of years, in the boundless wilderness of time, there is no 'behind', and no 'ahead', there is only coincidental catching up, [and in such moments] there are no other words to say, only a gentle question: “Oh, you’re here too?”