I get that Rhysand wanted to do a grand gesture to thank Nesta for saving Feyre and give his blessing to Nessian to start their family. So he gifted her a sentient house (more like a palace) that likes her and gives her comfort.
But from a different point of view it's deeply impractical. Nesta can't fly and she can't directly winnow inside because of the wards (also if I recall correctly Nesta doesn't possess that ability). So she either has to ask someone else to get her to her house or out of it or descend 10000 steps on her own. That still reads like controlling to me. She can't leave whenever she wishes and do the things she desires but has to depend on others (who don't exactly like her btw). She is still a prisoner of the inner circle from the way I see it sadly.
And ok Cassian can fly her out of there whenever she wishes technically. He is her mate and will respect her wishes -supposidely-. But what happens when he is on a mission or visits Illyria or whatever else he has to do. He can't act like a taxi the whole damn day.
Am I the only one weirded out by the fact that Feyre wore the same dress to two functions? I am talking about the starfall dress that was reused in the high lords meeting. Like girly you are rich as fuck now. Why would you rewear it? Especially in such a close period of time.
I don’t say this in a let them eat cake type of way. But in a SJM critic way. You are writing a whimsical book. By describing new clothes and fabrics and cuts you set the vibe. I get that she is not a very descriptive writer but what was the use of this choice?
For your prompts post, I wanted to request something with Eris preparing for or fighting in a blood duel! I'm biased towards neris or azris for the pairing, but whatever direction you felt like taking it in would also be perfect :)
SORRY THIS IS SO LATE I got distracted by monster fucking fics. ANYWAY Eris is prepping for a blood duel. Normally I agonize over shit for days (and rewrite it a million times) so this is a new posting record for me. Also I somehow didn't break my 500 word rule. Enjoy!!
This is technically on A03 too but it's short enough to read here.
The duel was to begin shortly after dawn. Eris waited in his chambers as several servants scurried around, strapping the outer layers of his armor onto him. Today, they were as silent as they were meticulous, anxious about the battle to come.
The week prior Eris had issued a challenge to Cassian: a blood duel for his mate. It was unconventional, and Beron wasn’t pleased, but the promise of a daughter-in-law gifted by the cauldron was enough to ease his father’s skepticism. Rhysand, of course, was infuriated, ending their fragile alliance. But it didn’t matter, not when Nesta Archeron would become his wife, his partner.
“Sir, the emissary from Night is here,” a servant said, interrupting his thoughts.
“Well, bring him in,” Eris replied. He waved the servants away, leaving him to finish preparing for the fight ahead. From the mirror’s reflection, Eris observed Lucien’s worried expression as he entered the room.
His youngest brother was dressed in a tailored navy vest buttoned over one of those flowy shirts he had worn ever since he lived in the spring court. Still, the outfit was distinctly from Night, with little stars embroidered on the shoulders mimicking a midnight sky.
“Asking me to reconsider?” Eris drawled.
“You know this won’t end well.” Lucien only said. He watched Eris’s face in the mirror. The older male betrayed no emotion.
“I thought after Tamlin you’d stop licking the boots of a high lord.”
Lucien scoffed. “That’s not what this is about.”
Eris turned around to meet his brother head on. Petty warnings would do nothing to deter him.
“So Rhysand is actually worried I’ll win against his general. Interesting.” Eris gave a wicked grin. “Unless you’re here to tell me Nesta is having second thoughts.”
Lucien shook his head, his brows furrowed as he reviewed the situation repeatedly in his mind. Lucien’s approach to diplomacy was thorough and relentless, always searching for a secret solution or loophole. “You could have chosen any other method. You’re not even her mate.”
“It seemed appropriate,” Eris said.
He would never admit that the blood duel was merely for Nesta’s benefit. Both to relieve her from the burden of choice (for Rhysand would blame for choosing anything other than Cassian), but also because whether or not she liked to admit it, Nesta seemed the type to like these gestures. And cruel as he may be, Eris had a soft spot for that. He understood wanting to be chosen. He’d choose her again and again. Blood duel or not.
We are SO excited to have chatted with Matthew Bassett, the voice actor for Eris Vanserra in the Graphic Audio Production of the ACOTAR series.
Read below for an Exclusive Q&A with Matt ❤️
How long have you been voice acting? How did you get started in the voice acting industry?
I’ve only really worked with Graphic Audio for voice acting, and I’ve been in their roster of actors since 2012. I’ve been a stage actor (with a tiny bit of film) since 2003, and I’ve taught acting in the Washington, DC, area since 2012. When I moved to the DC area after graduate school and started working around here, a number of actors I liked and admired kept mentioning this company that provided steady work on fun material - westerns, fantasy, sci-fi. The comic book adaptations sold me, I’m a huge comics fan. Since 2012, I’ve played countless varmints, monsters, cads, aliens, superheroes/villains, and the occasional good guy. Along with Eris, my larger roles have included voicing The Homelander in all six volumes of GA’s adaption of The Boys graphic novels and Cullen in the World of Lupi series.
Can you describe the process for being selected for the role of Eris (or any other character)? Were there auditions, callbacks, or specific criteria that led to your casting?
Graphic Audio works like a repertory acting company, in that after your initial audition, they maintain your contact information for project directors to pull from when needed. I’ve done a lot of work with Colleen Delaney, director of the ACOTAR adaptations, including several longer character arcs in multiple series, so she thought I would be a good fit for Eris based on similar characters (rogueish, but with hidden depth that is explored over time) I’ve played elsewhere. I’m glad she did! Eris has been really fun.
How did you prepare for the role of Eris in terms of understanding the character's backstory, motivations, and relationships with other characters?
Graphic Audio does a fantastic job of preparing actors and directing us through performances. Colleen sent each actor a brief but rich character description, often quoting directly from the novels, as well as providing a plot description for each specific novel (necessary since the turnaround from offer to recording is very short). During our sessions, Colleen tells me everything I need to know about where Eris has been since the last scene/book and how his relationships have evolved. GA directors also read in as “scene partners,” which, considering they are all performers themselves, makes it very easy to react as I imagine Eris would.
Eris is a complex and morally ambiguous character. What aspects of his personality did you find most challenging to convey in your performance, and how did you approach tackling those challenges?
His vulnerability is very challenging. Eris has had a hard life, despite growing up with every privilege, which is difficult to convey. He hates everyone to some extent, but it all comes from how much he hates his family and himself. The scenes with Morrigan in particular take a while to record - he has all the feelings when talking to her, but he can’t show any of them.
Did you have any creative input into how Eris's voice would sound, or was it a collaborative effort with the production team and director? Were there any specific discussions about the character's vocal tone or style?
Definitely collaborative! His basic vocal character is very close to mine, with the musicality dialed up a bit so he can taunt everyone so well. Where my director really helps is pushing me to find the different levels to his interactions - when he’s teasing (often), when he’s antagonizing (mostly with Cassian), and when he’s speaking from his heart (VERY rarely, usually to or involving Morrigan).
What actors (voice, stage, film, etc) have inspired you? And did any actors or other characters help inspire your performance for Eris?
Hoo boy. Too many to list! For something like Eris, a lot of inspiration from Tom HIddleston’s Loki, Tom Cruise’s Lestat de Lioncourt, and anything Jeremy Irons has ever done. Characters that you can’t take your eyes off of, even as you want to beat the crap out of them.
Were there any specific challenges or unique aspects to voicing Eris compared to other characters you've portrayed in the past? How did you adapt your voice to capture his essence?
Y’know, for all the dirtbags, murderers, literal monsters, aliens, and villains I’ve voiced, Eris is the one with the biggest heart. The biggest challenge is allowing him to have a deep want, hidden from even himself, for some tenderness, the one thing he has been denied his entire life. A character like Eris is easy to just have fun with and play as a smug prick (which he is), but he has moments of aching loneliness that make him much richer. SPOILER: One of my most recent favorite moments was playing Eris’ surprise and gratitude when receiving a “made” dagger for safekeeping. Eris can’t fathom trusting anyone else with something so powerful and important, because he simply wasn’t shown that level of trust or respect. The moment took him by such surprise. It was great to let myself feel that in the playing.
Do you have any advice for aspiring voice actors who are considering pursuing a career in Voice Acting? Any tips for breaking into the business and honing their craft?
Train your voice! I received excellent vocal training as part of my MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Acting at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I learned how to care for my vocal health, how to support with my breath, and how to modulate the dynamics of my voice for character differentiation as well as basic performance beats. You may not have the inclination for that level of training, but a regular voice lesson with a singing coach will give you similar techniques. In terms of breaking in: like anything of this nature, it’s relationships. Build a strong resume, but also build strong relationships with your collaborators and a reputation for reliability. Directors know that I’ll prepare so that I can make strong initial choices, but that I am more than happy to adjust my choices as needed to make the overall production its best.
OK i might be wrong about this but i don’t get why in all fics and fanarts the courts have assigned colour palettes. From what I remember from the books it’s not canon that certain people have to wear the same hues. Like in the night court they don’t all wear black. I particularly remember Rhys wore white in some scenes, Feyre wore some kind of blue outfit the first time she goes to the moonstone palace, Mor continually wears red etc etc.
And for those who say that the colours are for courtly business because they represent a “country” Eris in the Hewn City in Acowar wears a cobalt jacket. Feyre in the High Lords Meeting wears the Starfall dress which was sparkly white(?).
In all the fics I have read though Tamiln always wears green, all the autumn fae are dressed in some type of orange or burgundy and the Inner Circle black. And they make it a point that they are wearing “Night court black”.
Disclaimer: I love fanfic authors and fanart creators. I have deep respect for all of you as you are the backbone of every fandom. My post wasn’t some kind of bashing. It’s just something that I noticed and isn’t negative.
Hugs and kisses to all of you creative people. I hope you always follow your passions and continue to bless as with your ideas.<3.
Gwynriel this… Elriel that… Elucien the other… bla bla bla Who is mates with who? And who are going to fuck?
Who cares? Is it weird that I want a new pov in the series? I wouldn’t object to new characters and their perspectives on the whole mess that their world has come to. New courts that we haven’t gone to can be explored this way, learn about their cultures and traditions (although not Sarah’s strongest writing point).So far we have only taken a dip into the Spring’s and Night court’s culture. We can see how the Winter court works or what celebrations exist in the Day court. Or see how the whole Autumn court mess will be sorted out (b*ron plz die quickly). What technological achievements have occurred in Dawn court. This way the writer can enhance the world building as well and make the lore more intriguing.
Also a question I have that could be answered this way is how does the rest of the world perceive the Night court now that they have dropped the mask they had till Acowar. Do they know about all the artifacts they have collected so far (the trove and the made weapons) and what do they think of that? Do they see them becoming a threat? And what actions do they take in this turbulent atmosphere that prevails and the delicate balances between the “allies”.
I love the Night Court and I do not think that their story is over yet. But at the moment I want something new. And a new romance that is not going to create so much toxicity in the fandom hopefully.
I downloaded tumblr this week and in such a short amount of time I have read sooo many Eris x reader fics. I am a woman obsessed and I can't seem to be able to stop. I read the trilogy of Acotar for the first time in 2020, reread them in 2022 and read Acosf last year. I was always intrigued by his character and that feeling intensified since the last book but never like this. His mysterious and enigmatic attitude alongside his quick and sharp remarks have thoroughly won me over. So if you have any recs please leave them in the comments. I will be eternally grateful to you. <333
Genuine question but why do we refer to the upcoming Acotar book as Acotar 6??? It’s the fifth full length book in the series, so Acotar 5 should have been the correct “name”. It is widely accepted by the fandom that Frost and Starlight is a holiday novella. That makes it the 3.5 and Silver Flames actually the fourth. I get that Acofas is as long as other books but it’s still not a primary work. Also i want to point out that that’s how they are numbered in Goodreads.
