I love the idea of how well and quickly Elain integrated into the IC and Night Court.
Forget the detractors. And let's even remove Azriel's personal feelings and attraction to her. Think about facts.
The scary Shadowsinger, that frightens everyone, including High Lords, offers to bring this sad, traumatized girl from HOW to the townhouse. He carries her in his arms, through the doors. And then, while he could've left her, his job done, he instead, offered to take her out to the garden. And when he could've left her there, his job done, he stayed with her and made her feel comfortable and safe.
Cassian, upon seeing Elain rushes to kiss her cheek. Yes, he is tactile by nature, but to him, she is his little sister-in-law, a friend who saved him.
The two brothers are all into the sisters' drama, gossiping about Nesta x Elain fight. First thing Azriel asked was 'what happened with Elain?!"
The two twins befriend her easily, and invite her to spend time with them. Perhaps she is the first one who didn't treat them as servants and spies, but as friends?
She and the twins baking and decorating cakes in the kitchen, laughing and joking.
Even Amren compliments Elain, acknowledging her abilities, her hidden strengths.
The poignant moment at the end of ACOWAR, where everyone is in the townhouse at last, and Elain announces that she'd like to plant more gardens. And then in ACOFAS, Rhys telling Feyre 'build a garden for Elain' in their new home. Why? Not only is Elain part of Night Court and this is now her home, which they all recognize, she is also an integral part of their family, because without her, half of them would be dead. Without her, the war would've been lost.
Think about it--Elain was responsible for the three pivotal additions to the war, which changed the course of battles. She was the one who initially Saw Vassa, and eventually Vassa came as a thunderbird, destroying the enemy Navy. Elain then found the Suriel, who provided information to Amen on how to 'unchain' herself and release her full powers on Hybern. Lastly Elain killed the King herself.
Even if they are short of praise, the IC knows that Elain is part of them now. They celebrate together, they scheme together, they support each other. Even in Cassian's ill-conceived assessment of Elain in her ugly black dress, there is....concern. Cassian worries about her and her belonging in the Court of Nightmares. He doesn't want the darkness of the place to rub off on her. Why? Because she is important to him and he wants her to be happy, and comfortable.
It's for Elain that they all stop eating at Solstice, waiting patiently under the warning gaze of Azriel. It's Elain's portrait that hangs in the River House, painted by her sister. It's Elain who is trusted to care for Feyre during her pregnancy and it's with Elain that the book ends, and she is carrying the most precious baby in her arms.
I love the dynamic of Elain within the IC, where the High Lord himself delivers her to and from HOW, and then worries when she is upset, and offers to fly her while taking the scenic route. In another ill-conceived move, Rhys interferes in hers and Azriel's amorous moment, but his concern is for Elain. Yes, the political ramifications as well, because everyone would be impacted, but he worries about Elain and having seen first hand how Graysen treated her, he doesn't want to see her brokenhearted.
Firstly, I can't wait to see the Rhys x Elain friendship blossom. When he was describing his sister, he might as well have been describing Elain. A warm, lovable and happy person.
Secondly I can't wait to see how Cassian and Elain will interact, because she is his brother's girl. I think/hope for some cute and awkward moments between the two of them.
Thirdly, I really want to see Mor playing wing woman for Elain and Azriel, hiding them and assisting them in clandestine meetings.
And finally, I want to see Amren give Elain's confidence a boost and push Rhys & Co. to let Elain spread her (magical) wings.
