So this is a blog for all things Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, VA/Bloodlines or Shadowhunter Chronicles related because they're only like the best series ever :D *disclaimer: I do post spoiilers. I tag them as "fandom name" spoilers (ex. throne of glass or tog spoilers)
James "the hometown skeptics called it champagne problems" Herondale and Cordelia "it was real enough, to get me through" Carstairs and Anna "long story short, I survived" Lightwood and Ariadne "My pain fits in the palm of your freezing hand, taking mine, but its been promised to another" Bridgestock and Alastair "I made you my temple my mural my sky, now I'm begging for footnotes in the story of your life" Carstairs and Thomas "guilty guilty reaching out across the sea. That you put between you and me" Lightwood and Matthew "the skeletons in both our closets plotted hard to fuck this up" Fairchild and Lucie "did you hear about the girl who lives in delusion?" Herondale and Jesse "what died didn't stay dead" Blackthorn and Christopher "i don't like that falling feels like flying till the bone crush" Lightwood and Grace "hes got my past frozen behind glass, but I've got me" Blackthorn and-
The way Azriel and Nesta both see the other’s ache and pain caused by the struggle of falling in love with someone they think they don’t deserve or shouldn’t have…
“Azriel watched her with that cool quiet, keeping utterly still. Like he saw everything in her head. Her bruised heart.”
“Shadows darkened his eyes, full of enough pain that she couldn’tstop herself from touching his shoulder. Letting him see that she understood why he stood in the doorway, why he wouldn’t go near the fire. His secret to tell, never hers.”
I really loved their dynamic in acosf, that mutual respect and understanding.
what’s truly wild to me is how Elain literally shuts down whenever Lucien is around, how Maas has made it explicit how uncomfortable she is around him, how though his Solstice gifts are thoughtful, they also show he doesn’t really *get* her, how Elain has outright said how much she doesn’t like the bond… And people will still pull for them to be endgame, even when you see the direct contrast of how Azriel listens to her talk about her gardening plans, how they get each other, how she gives him “offer and permission”, how she *does* have explicit interest in him, with their little secret moments.
Like, would I be surprised if Elain and Lucien end up together, in spite of Elain’s explicit discomfort around him? No, I wouldn’t be. I don’t ship it at all because of that, but there’s no denying how much Maas loves the mating bond trope. Mates are supposed to be rare, but it feels like everyone has one lol.
But with how Maas said: “I thought it was obvious”, and with how it really is, looking at everything, I think she’s breaking her own trope with this one and going against expectations in having Elain choose someone other than her mate. She already gave Azriel permission to kiss her, he only didn’t because Rhys intervened.
I just really hope Maas *does* break her own tropes, because while no, I would not be surprised if Elain and Lucian end up together, I would really hate it, because ACOWAR, ACOFAS, and ACOSF have all made it very, very clear how uncomfortable Elain is around him and how much she hates that it didn’t give her a choice, how him and the mating bond were forced on her during an extremely traumatic event. Having her choose the mating bond in spite of all that would just be so disappointing to me. “yeah, you have a choice, of course!!” and she choses what was forced on her, what she’s made explicitly clear she hates over the course of three books? Please, god, no.
But in those same books, Elain and Azriel are both in the background mostly, but you can clearly see how much they grow to care for each other, leading up to their almost kiss in the ACOSF bonus. To me, Elriel is so incredibly obvious, it hurts. And what a power move for Elain - to reject the mating bond, to truly start making decisive choices and to stop letting other push her around. It just would make such a better story, one that really cements her choice, that puts her first, that puts her in control of her own life.
All of this, 100% agree. Why put the hints there to not follow through in the end? Not only for the sake of Elain’s own agency and choice, but:
Lucien also getting to choose - he had his first mutual choice denied him when Jesminda was murdered by Beron and he fled his home - because the bond must be so ingrained as sacred to him (and all fae), and I can’t imagine his confusion at wondering why he and Elain aren’t meshing well. I’m sure he wonders why the Cauldron paired him with someone he himself said is nothing like the woman he would have chosen, and why he now (appears to) prefer Vassa over his mate.
Azriel and Vassa both being chosen, despite the El*cien mating bond, and also incredibly low self-worth and a death god’s curse respectively suggesting that it should be otherwise. At the same time, Elain and Lucien also both being chosen by others in the face of their bond, the existence of which would make most faeries not even consider them as worth their attention.
“we are all the pieces of what we remember. we hold in ourselves the hopes and fears of those who love us. as long as there is love and memory, there is no true loss.”
First of all - I wanted to thank @offtorivendell for discussing this topic with me !! You’re amazing, my brain twin !! 💜
Note: The first portion of this post will be an analysis revolving around the Rhys + Elain quotes that we’ve been given throughout the series, then I will transition into discussing a theory (territory that I don’t often venture into on here, I know) of mine for the latter half of this post.
Throughout the ACOTAR series - we’ve gotten to see friendships develop between the three brothers and the three sisters.
At this point in the series, we’ve received friendships between:
• Feyre + Cassian
• Nesta + Azriel
So, what pairing does that leave us with ?
• Elain + Rhys
Typically, when it comes to bat boy + Archeron sister friendships, SJM pairs the two that have something in common.
In Feyre + Cassian’s case, both had experienced growing up without basic necessities + having to fight to stay alive:
“I’d never met anyone else in Prythian who had ever been hungry, desperate—not like I’d been. Cassian blinked, and the way he looked at me shifted—more assessing, more … sincere. I could have sworn I saw the words in his eyes: You know what it is like. You know the mark it leaves.” (ACOMAF - Chapter 16)
In an Instagram live from last January, Sarah said the following about Nesta + Azriel’s companionship:
Some statements to note:
“Over the course of the book they [Nesta & Azriel] recognize a lot of similar things...”
“She [Nesta] and Az have” ... “there’s just like a mutual respect and understanding”
I discussed what these “similar things” could potentially be in another post of mine !!
Elain + Rhys are seemingly going to follow suit with the pairs listed above.
The two could potentially bond over the different masks that they’ve been forced to don throughout their life:
“But standing in that hallway, all of them in their fighting leathers and me bundled in a heavy, fur-lined cloak, I took one look at Rhys and felt those hands on my thighs again. Felt how it’d been to look inside his mind, felt his cold rage, felt him … defend himself, his people, his friends, using the power and masks in his arsenal. He’d seen and endured such … such unspeakable things, and yet … his hands on my thighs had been gentle, the touch like—” (ACOMAF - Chapter 22)
“He surveyed the study as he thought. “But I wonder if everyone has spent so long assuming Elain is sweet and innocent that she felt she had to be that way or else she’d disappoint you all.” (ACOSF - Feysand Bonus POV)
“When I sleep,” she murmured, “I can hear your heart beating through the stone.” She angled her head, as if the city view held some answer. “Can you hear mine?” He wasn’t sure if she truly meant to address him, but he said, “No, lady. I cannot.” Her too-thin shoulders seemed to curve inward. “No one ever does. No one ever looked—not really.” A bramble of words.” (ACOWAR - Chapter 24)
There’s already passages in the text that suggest that the two could become close companions in the future:
“Well, you’ll forgive me if I can’t.” Icy rage darkened the stars in those violet eyes. “You still can barely talk to Nesta,” I said. “Yet Elain you can talk to nicely.” “Elain is Elain.” “If you blame one, you have to blame the other.” “No, I don’t. Elain is Elain,” he repeated.” (ACOFAS - Chapter 5)
“Cassian cast the memory aside as Rhys surveyed Elain, his violet-blue eyes missing nothing. “What happened.” When Rhys spoke like that, it was more of a command than a question. Elain waved a hand in dismissal before flinging open the veranda doors and striding into the open air. “Elain,” Rhys said as he and Cassian trailed her into the dying light.” (ACOSF - Chapter 17)
“Then Rhys shook his head and said to Elain, “I’ll fly you home.” Elain didn’t object when Rhys scooped her up and launched into the red-and-pink-stained sky. When they were a speck of black and purple over the rooftops, Rhys sweeping along the gilded river as if giving Elain a scenic tour, then and only then did Cassian enter the House.” (ACOSF - Chapter 17)
Now that I’ve stated my general thoughts on Elain + Rhys and my belief that their relationship will progress into one of friendship in upcoming novels, let’s move on to the theory portion of this post.
Elain + Rhysand - Coconspirators Who Saved the Day ?
While having a conversation with @offtorivendell this morning, we noticed some interesting things in chapters 70-74 of ACOWAR:
“Amren ushered my sisters forward, even as Elain let out a low sob at the sight of the Graysen coat of arms. “Now. Quick and quiet as shadows.” (ACOWAR - Chapter 70)
“Amren snorted, and we fell into flanking positions around my sisters. A glamour of invisibility would hopefully allow us to skirt the southern edge of the battlefield—along with Azriel’s shadows as he monitored from behind. But once we got behind enemy lines …” (ACOWAR - Chapter 70)
“But as a black blade broke through the king’s throat, spraying blood, I realized someone else had. Elain stepped out of a shadow behind him, and rammed Truth-Teller to the hilt through the back of the king’s neck as she snarled in his ear, “Don’t you touch my sister.” (ACOWAR - Chapter 74)
I believe that some other users might’ve already theorized that Elain used Azriel’s shadows to help transport her across the field to kill Hybern, but what if Elain was never actually that far away after all ?
It’s stated in chapter 72 of ACOWAR that Feyre instructed Rhys to move Elain away to the farthest edges of their camp:
“I had Rhys move Elain to the farthest reaches of our camp. And when he returned, my mate only pressed a kiss to my mouth before he took to the skies, spearing for the heart of the battle—the heaviest fighting.” (ACOWAR - Chapter 72)
Before the above request takes place, we’re privy to the following conversation between Nesta + Cassian + Elain + Rhys + Feyre:
“Nesta looked down to Elain—our sister monitoring the bloodbath ahead. Then to me. She said quietly, “Tell Father—thank you.” She wrapped her arms tightly around Cassian, those gray-blue eyes bright, then they were gone. Rhys’s body strained with the effort of not going after them as they soared for a copse of trees far behind the battlefield. “He might survive,” I said softly. “No,” Rhys said, flying us down to Amren and Elain. “He won’t.” (ACOWAR - Chapter 72)
We see that Rhysand had already resigned himself to the belief that Cassian would perish during the battle against Hybern.
Who else was aware of Cassian’s fate ?
Elain:
“Nesta’s nostrils flared, but Elain peered up at Cassian, blinking twice. “He snapped your wings, broke your bones.” … “It’ll take more than that to kill me,” Cassian said with a smirk that didn’t meet his eyes. Elain only said to Cassian, “No, it will not.” (ACOWAR - Chapter 30)
What if Elain confided what she had seen in her visions to Rhysand while he was supposed to be carrying her to the farthest reaches of their camp, and the two agreed to place Elain somewhere where she would be able to intervene / stop Hybern from murdering Nesta + Cassian ?
Note: I just want to take a moment to remind everyone that this is a theory post - if you don’t agree with it then that’s totally fine !! These are just my thoughts - you don’t have to agree with them. :)
I believe that Azriel’s shadows still played a role - even in the above scenario.
Something had to keep Elain hidden while she waited for the perfect moment to make her move, and as Feyre stated a few chapters earlier:
“A glamour of invisibility would hopefully allow us to skirt the southern edge of the battlefield—along with Azriel’s shadows as he monitored from behind. But once we got behind enemy lines …” (ACOWAR - Chapter 70)
Perhaps Truth-Teller being in Elain’s possession allowed her to remain concealed within Azriel’s shadows beyond enemy lines ?
Regarding the theory about Elain + Rhys’ conspiring to save Nessian, this would also serve as another - although less likely - explanation for the following moment in ACOSF:
“Rhys asked, “Have you ever seen Elain act like that before?” “No.” I chewed on my bottom lip. Rhys’ gaze tracked the movement. I mean, she’s been brave when she had to be, but she’s never been confrontational.” “Maybe she was never given the chance to be that way.” I whipped my head toward him. “You think I stifle her?” Rhys held up his hands. “Not you alone.” He surveyed the study as he thought. “But I wonder if everyone has spent so long assuming Elain is sweet and innocent that she felt she had to be that way or else she’d disappoint you all.” He sighed toward the ceiling. “With time and safety, perhaps we’ll see a different side of her emerge.” “That sounds dangerously close to what Nesta said about Elain finally becoming interesting.” “Sometimes, Nesta isn’t wrong.” I glowered at Rhys. “You think Elain's boring?” “I think she’s kind, and I’ll take kindness over nastiness any day. But I also think we haven’t yet seen all she has to offer.” A corner of his mouth tugged upward. “Don’t forget that gardening often results in something pretty, but it involves getting one’s hands dirty along the way.” (ACOSF - Feysand Bonus POV)
Instead of Rhys making the above comment based off of his observational skills alone, perhaps he was able to come to the conclusion that Elain has more to offer because he saw that side of her during the war ?
Note x2: Once again, I just wanted to remind everyone that this is just a theory !! I’m not saying that the above scenario is definitely what happened, I’m just trying to have some fun and brainstorm some new ideas, that’s all !! :)
What if Azriel does feel the pull to Elain? The charged glances. The all knowing looks. The gentle touches. The need to smell, touch, and taste her. The fact that he has literally nearly died to save her from Hybern with no hesitation. He's the only one who SEES her for who she is. And she SEES him. Hell, He'd know if she were dead or grave danger, he'd feel it in his heart because he FELT that when she was with Hybern. What if Azriel feels the pull, but doubts it because Lucien has declared Elain his mate? It goes against all reason. 2 mates have never happened before, so who is he to question? He might not even feel he deserves to be her mate, so he denies the pull. Goes against everything that's pointing to Elain and screams mate,mate, mate. But now? The pull is incessant. He could never deny her. Only the pure dominace and command in Rhysand's order could do such a thing. Is the ONLY reason why he didn't kiss Elain on Solstice. And now that another male is preventing him from simply being around Elain...Azriel questions all logical reason and states, "What if Cauldron was wrong?" Because Elain is his equal. The light to his darkness. So Azriel won't give up. Puts a face of impassiveness around Elain and the IC to appease Rhys. But he's strategically planning on how to go about this. Explore the possibility and truth that Elain would choose him over and over regardless of a bond. And deftly maneuver around political upholdings to be with the love of his life. What if Azriel feels the pull? And Mor or Koschei reveals the Truth between him and Elain. The Truth that's so glaringly obvious but everyone seems to ignore. Mate, mate, mate. I'm so excited for Elain and Azriel's book yall. 🥰
What if Azriel does feel the pull to Elain? The charged glances. The all knowing looks. The gentle touches. The need to smell, touch, and taste her. The fact that he has literally nearly died to save her from Hybern with no hesitation. He's the only one who SEES her for who she is. And she SEES him. Hell, He'd know if she were dead or grave danger, he'd feel it in his heart because he FELT that when she was with Hybern. What if Azriel feels the pull, but doubts it because Lucien has declared Elain his mate? It goes against all reason. 2 mates have never happened before, so who is he to question? He might not even feel he deserves to be her mate, so he denies the pull. Goes against everything that's pointing to Elain and screams mate,mate, mate. But now? The pull is incessant. He could never deny her. Only the pure dominace and command in Rhysand's order could do such a thing. Is the ONLY reason why he didn't kiss Elain on Solstice. And now that another male is preventing him from simply being around Elain...Azriel questions all logical reason and states, "What if Cauldron was wrong?" Because Elain is his equal. The light to his darkness. So Azriel won't give up. Puts a face of impassiveness around Elain and the IC to appease Rhys. But he's strategically planning on how to go about this. Explore the possibility and truth that Elain would choose him over and over regardless of a bond. And deftly maneuver around political upholdings to be with the love of his life. What if Azriel feels the pull? And Mor or Koschei reveals the Truth between him and Elain. The Truth that's so glaringly obvious but everyone seems to ignore. Mate, mate, mate. I'm so excited for Elain and Azriel's book yall. 🥰
I think it’s interesting that Azriel, who is considered to be the coldest and the least emotional of the brothers, and maybe of most characters, has displayed very thoughtful, caring, gentle gestures towards everyone around him, even those he doesn’t particularly like. There is a kindness that’s hidden in him and I hope that it’s revealed more in his book.
Azriel is the only person who attempted to make the initial visit to the sisters as comfortable, or as non-confrontational as possible.
Azriel offered to teach Feyre to fly, understanding how difficult it would be for her and taking the time to explain, understand and help her overcome her physical and mental limitations.
Azriel, to his great detriment, with shredded wings, saved not only Elain, but a completely random other person from Hybern.
It was Azriel who rushed to find and rescue Mor, after Eris left her naked, half-dead, with nails embedded in her belly, on the forest floor. Despite the fact that he’d only known her for a little while, and she opted for Cassian instead of him.
Azriel, curiously, is the only person who ever voiced concern and objection over the Blood Rite. While he is being perceived as an Illyrian hater, even by Rhys, only he said that it was a barbaric practice and that it wasted young men’s lives completely unnecessarily. Everyone else’s opinion seems to be ‘Oh, well, it’s tradition’. His opinion is –why the hell are we doing this and why is this allowed?
Azriel is the only person who never picked a fight with Nesta. He is also the one person, besides the sisters and Cassian, who got her a thoughtful Solstice gift.
Azriel covered Cassian with a blanket after Nesta’s nightmare.
‘Gentle and unfaltering’ Azriel stepped in to train the priestesses.
This commission was inspired by a conversation I had with my girls at the 𝙏𝙤 𝘽𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 book club, so thank you. We were discussing the following scenes that happens during ACOWAR and ACOFAS:
And how cute it would be for them to share a sweet moment, pure happiness after all they have been through. We need more sweet moments in the ACOTAR world with all the bloodshed!
I have been in love with Emily’s drawing style for ages, and her ACOTAR pieces are to die for, so when she told me she had one spot left she made me the happiest! She truly is the sweetest person to work with, they way she didn’t just bring me headcanon to life, she created a work of art. Thank you again for taking me on this journey @emmilinne or @artbyemmilinne it was an absolute pleasure.
Again, I would like to gift this to all my fellow Elriels. Don’t let the hatred bring you down.
༻❁༺
Characters belong to @therealsarahjmaas
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Shares are appreciated! Please provide 𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗱 credit to both artist and me 💛
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