I’m beginning to see a pattern — all outside sources, publication companies, merch is pointing to… wait for it… Elriel. The timing is funny given BB Insta post yesterday and GA and EL continual righteousness. It has to be purposeful given we are approaching May and crossing fingers/hairs, that we get the announcement. Your thoughts?
I think it’s all building up to all the releases coming up plus the next book announcement. This is not ‘random’ or accidental or ‘unimportant’. It’s all marketing. It’s all feeding info through various channels.
Who thinks Azriel and Elain could adopt children ? I mean, that would be cool (and better for me) rather than changing Elain's pelvis somehow... I would love that in the future, if we ever see this part of their lives, that if they have children together they adopt. I don't know, I always really liked the concept of adoption. At least that's what I think.
Also friendly reminder that it is, in fact, misogynistic to claim that a woman doesn’t “deserve” to be in a relationship with a man because she may not be able to have his babies. No matter how hard you try to claim otherwise.
As a WOMAN in a long- term marriage to a man who adores her, was also unable to bear his children naturally but is also a MOTHER to the most beautiful and amazing adopted children can I just say a giant FUCK OFF to the Gwy*nriel goblins haunting the Elriel tag.
Hi everyone, I am still going through all the asks. There are a lot, so it's taking me some time.
As I mentioned before, I am in the middle of reading HOFAS right now and I think that as I am reading, it's becoming clearer that any and all discussions around the ship war, around the possibility of Gwynriel have to stop. it's always been an absurd exercise, but the futility of these arguments has become even more apparent after HOFAS.
I understood what I always suspected--SJM is thinking BIG. HUGE. She is so far beyond any sort of silly ship that it's almost embarrassing that we've been worried about....Gwynriel? Gwyn is a tiny player or no importance. She is Nest'a friend. That's it and that was always her role. Now, to even CONSIDER her being a counterpart to Azriel, or even more incredibly, a counterpart to ELAIN ARCHRON, is just soul destroying.
There's never been any competition between Elain and Gwyn, in any manner, in any capacity. Elain, like Nesta and Feyre, is on a completely different level. She is being set up to revive dead Courts, use her starborn powers, probably travel to Midgard and Erilea.
At best, Gwyn is set up to fight as a Valkyrie in the final battle. Maybe. Unless she is an evil Lightsinger, and that is also possible. But whatever she is, she is NOT an Archeron sister, not Azriel's mate, not Rhys's best friend, not Nyx's favourite aunt, or anything even remotely in that vicinity.
I think all the questions about the ACOSF bonus chapter can now end. They've been answered. They've been explained. There is no mate bond, attraction, sexual tension, desire or even mild interest between Azriel and Gwyn. Nothing. It's about Elain and Azriel, and what they'll do together in her book.
There is not ONE point that Gwynriels have that they can play now. Nothing. SJM wiped it all off and the slate is clean.
So. Let's just wait for the announcement of Elain's book, which will be amazing, and enjoy the only logical, breadcrumbed, predicted and naturally unfolding relationship, which is Elriel.
Robin Hood and Marian - Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves (1991)
Side note: This is part 1 of a series that I plan to continue with each post featuring a different couple all relating to Elriel (I might also do some Feysand and Nessian posts too bc it’s just too tempting) so I want to be clear that these posts will be focused more on the vibes, energy, chemistry etc. of the couples I choose, not necessarily the actual story and arc of the movie. That being said though, there are going to be couples (I have a list), that I feel mirror or relate more to Elriel in terms of story and relationship progression than others, and I may include that in my posts going forward.
Starting off with Marian and Robin, I think it’s pretty obvious why I chose them. Oh and please take note that I am being specific about which Marian and Robin I am choosing (although I may love them, I am not talking about the foxes and Russel Crowe does not live here). If you have not scene this particular movie iteration then please find it and enjoy and all I’ll say is that Alan Rickman is the actual star of the show and has beef with Christmas.
Back to Marian and Robin, This scene alone SCREAMS the Elriel rescue scene with Marian and Elain both quoting the timeless perfection: “You came for me.”
I also do believe in my heart of hearts that Azriel would die for Elain. He may not have said it outright (yet) like Robin here, but by God I believe he was thinking it.
Other than that this couple is your staple fantasy duo (sh*t does Robin Hood even count as fantasy??) complete with all the goodness and HEA that comes with it. Marian and Robin don’t really parallel Elriel in much else but I will reaffirm that this one scene was enough for a post because of its pure devotion, willing to die for you, damsel -in-distress vibes (that everyone loves to hate but I think if done right, is so f*cking romantic).
Love this film, love this couple and I squealed gleefully during my rewatch of this movie and this scene because it reminded me so much of Elain and Azriel.
Final side note: these are my own personal thoughts and feelings (I of course don’t own any characters or stories mentioned) so if anyone agrees or disagrees it is all totally valid and I welcome and cherish comments and opinions. My only plea is for no hate.
Today.com article on SJM book universe explained. Updated 1/25/24
"So while this is a Crescent City book, Its protagonist has landed in the ACOTAR world- so we'll expect to see how all these characters intertwine. (Particularly how Elain's fated mate shakes out, but that's a much longer story for another day.)"
What I just can’t stop thinking about from the Bryce, Nesta and Az bonus chapter (spoilers ⬇️)
( I finally caved and read that one, I didn’t read the other bonus chapters so please don’t mention anything about what’s in them)
A lot of people did amazing work analyzing the songs and I’m in awe, but the moment that sticks with me is this;
First a reminder, this is Bryce’s pov she has no context for any dynamics between these people. The way she describes it, Az starts the chapter suspicious, quiet and broody. Nesta starts actually talking to Bryce, but here’s the moment Bryce notes specifically when Azriel is really paying attention
So, why is Az particularly invested in this little tidbit? There’s literally only 3 people (3 sisters) he knows that have previously been human and are now Fae, and only 2 of them have become Fae in the cauldron. (Unless you wanna count Briallyn 🤷♀️)
Bryce doesn’t have more context, but we do, and we know he has an adorable closeness, and painful “break up” after having been forbidden to pursue his feelings, with Elain, the other person that went into the cauldron.
As far as we know they haven’t kissed, she hasn’t said his name and she doesn’t know Rhys interfered in her love life. They may currently be mid-cliff hanger (i think of it as Jane and Bingley after he leaves nethefield, before he finds out Darcy interferred and goes back to propose)
If their relationship is not resolved (and he did answer “no” to Bryce’s questions) I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he could still be thinking and worrying about her. Perhaps he’s hoping that through Nesta’s account of what the transition was like, he might understand better how Elain feels as well?
Look, do I think he cares about Nesta? Obviously, they’re friends and her well being matters to him, but we KNOW about everything that went down between him and Elain. We know about the necklace specially designed for her. We know he suffers from smelling and being near her bond, we know they spent peaceful time together, that he came for her and gave her Truth Teller since he wouldn’t use it that day… we know about the potatoes!!
So while this IS about Nesta, it is very likely that he is ALSO thinking about someone else he loves. Why do I think that? Here’s what he says next
And THERE it is —What is the first thing he says? The first thing ON HIS MIND ? “The people you love”
Because what if he says it simply because the people he loves ARE on his mind right now? Because Nesta reminded him of the only other person who would know what it was like to go in the cauldron. Elain, who he loves 💕
So that’s what I think. And have been thinking about since I read the BC ☺️ Yes I could be wrong, there could be other interpretations this is just my reading of it.
My thoughts on the Bryce, Azriel and Nesta HOFAS bonus chapter...
Disclaimer: as suggested by the title, the following discusses the Walmart HOFAS bonus chapter featuring Azriel, Bryce and Nesta. I haven't read the main text, so it won't feature anything related to that, but there are massive Maasverse and HOFAS spoilers ahead regardless. Please beware.
These are just my initial thoughts, not expanded upon in any substantial way and, as usual, I could always be way off the mark.
Also, yes, fair warning that I'll be mentioning the ACOTAR characters a lot. If that's not your jam, and you'd rather avoid any of the possible implications of the crossover, then I'd give this post a miss. On the other hand, if you're interested in how CC/HOFAS may affect Prythian going forward, please read on.
Music:
The Stone Mother song has me 👀 especially as the stone and water were "talking" at the start.
@cassianfanclub and @wingedblooms have already posted about the Stone Mother (here and here).
That being said, am I crazy to think Elain could have been listening in? Is Azriel stone and Elain water? His stone siphons - which Elain called beautiful, did she hear their song, as kin? - and Elain possibly as water? Was she using salt water to boost her powers, or a reflection pool to scry, and keep tabs on her sister and friend?
Or is it the space between linking worlds?
Alternatively, could stone be referring to Nuala and Cerridwen, who are capable of manifesting stone around themselves and others (ACOTAR).
Is this what SJM meant when she said we'd see Elain in "some form" in the next book?
@psychee92 said she wished that SJM had somehow included Mr Brightside, and now I wish the same; even a mention of indie rock. 😭
Josie and Laurel - "He/god will add/increase" "(laurel) trees/victory"? Elain? Lol sorry, but it's either giving gardener, or Elain killing Hybern.
Azriel's humming/singing made the shadows dance, once more suggesting that shadows dancing is a response to power, not mate bonds
Wraith-like harmonies? After the description of Josie and Laurel's voices? It's crack, but is it a metaphor for Nuala and Cerridwen?
The musical similarities between what Juniper dances to and Prythian's music?!
The music Az liked was death metal. Could this link to any sort of metal artefact, like an iron crown for grounding? Or wyrdstone jewellery?
The glass coffin?
"Nineteenth century literature presents the glass coffin as a prison within which sleeping women are frequently mistaken for dead or vice versa." (Source). It's giving Sleeping Beauty (credit to @elriell for the OG SB theory), and a little Snow White.
Check out this tale from The Brothers Grimm, which sounds... suspiciously relevant to Elain.
@cassianfanclub also suggested that it's giving necromancer vibes, and I'd love that for Elain.
Feyre once said she could sleep for a hundred years after coming back from the Prison, right before going to the Hewn City in ACOWAR. After Elain had left the room, and before Feyre went to check in on her to find her "asleep—breathing."
Let's not forget Elain's assistance in rescuing the human COTB, Briar, from Hybern's camp.
Will Elain prick herself while weaving?
I was tired enough that I could barely summon the breath to ask, “Do you think the Cauldron made her insane?” “I think she went through something terrible,” Lucien countered carefully. “And it wouldn’t hurt to have your best healer do a thorough examination.” I rubbed my hand over my face. “All right.” My breath snagged on the words. “Tomorrow morning.” I managed a shallow nod, rallying my strength to rise from the chair. Heavy—there was an old heaviness in me. Like I could sleep for a hundred years and it wouldn’t be enough. “Please tell me,” Lucien said when I crossed the threshold into the foyer. “What the healer says. And if—if you need me for anything.” I gave him one final nod, speech suddenly beyond me. I knew Nesta still wasn’t asleep as I walked past her room. Knew she’d heard every word of our conversation thanks to that Fae hearing. And I knew she heard as I listened at Elain’s door, knocked once, and poked my head in to find her asleep—breathing. - ACOWAR, chapter 27
Azriel specifically said Nesta "beheaded" Hybern, after looking down at Truth-Teller.
This is not Azriel giving Nesta credit for the assassination. If anything he's hiding Elain's involvement.
I've said before, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has done so, but I would expect Azriel to protect his LI with silence, whoever they are.
He had to have been thinking about Elain, who I've theorised could now/soon be known as "The Shadowsinger's Knife" after she became the "knife in the dark" in Azriel's place at the end of ACOWAR.
The young girl sitting on the mushroom:
I'm still looking into the carving of the young girl sitting on the toadstool with the hound sprawled on the ground beside her, as I find it really interesting. My initial thought was that it seemed like a convenient place to drop a mention of a garden-like fairy carving with a hound right after Bryce had quizzed Azriel about his hypothetical mate, or lack thereof (Elain being both heavily associated with plant life, thanks to her "little garden," as well as dogs, after Nesta called her one in ACOSF).
I also wonder if it has anything to do with the Czech tale that amanita muscaria - while psychoactive/toxic - are said to protect from lightning and other ill fortune. If this is correct, it reminds me a little of the markings - wyrdmarks - on the Archeron cottage.
I don't know where Bryce and co were walking, as I have only read this bonus chapter and the prologue, but given it was carved on an underground wall, and I suspect that there are underground portals in at least the Hewn City and the Prison, and maybe the waterways... could it have been for protection against the invading lightning Asteri? Or did the Asteri (Daglan?) put them there to protect against Thunderbirds, or whatever Hunt is?
Miscellany
Maybe Bryce hadn't been sent there by Urd? Who then? Was @silverlinedeyes right all along?
The mention of pleasure halls seems like a call back to Azriel's bonus chapter, but it's also likely that they aren't all brothels (see Rita's).
Azriel listening closely about Nesta now liking being Fae; he could extrapolate her responses to Elain. Maybe she's changed her mind from ACOFAS, when she said to Feyre "I don't want a mate, I don't want a male."
Azriel said "no" to whether or not he has a mate rather quickly. Hmm... the shadowsinger doth protest too much?
It's also potentially important that Nesta said "yes, WE are" curious about Azriel's mate status. Her, Azriel and most of the fandom! 😂
"Okay, okay," Bryce said. "But it'd be cool to know something about your world. Or about you." They were both silent. Bryce asked Nesta, "You have a mate, right?" She nodded to Azriel. "Do you?" "No." Azriel said quickly, flatly. "A partner or spouse?" "No." Bryce sighed. "Okay, then." Azriel's wings twitched. "You're incurably nosy." "I think that's the nicest thing you've said about me." Bryce winked at him. "Look, I just... I'm curious. Aren't you?" Azriel didn't answer, but Nesta said, "Yes. We are." - HOFAS, Bryce, Azriel and Nesta bonus chapter
All in all, while there were no overt mentions of Elain - and really, why would SJM do that in a series that wasn't Elain's own - imo we got the Elain-shaped holes in the text that I was hoping for, and I can't wait to see if there are any more in the full book.
When they say the bonus chapter hints at Gwy*nriel but all I see is Rhys setting up Elriel by raising the stakes and adding barriers, and take the near-kiss as confirmation Elriel is coming.
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