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[8bitrosethorn]

Does Elain Archeron want to be human again?

Theory debunk ahead.

I have personally *tried* (though I am absolutely not perfect) to take a hippocratic oath with my presence on the internet and wish to do no harm. The Libra moon to my Virgo sun is always trying to approach things peacefully. The wing 2 on my type 1 ennengram is always trying to take an open hearted approach to compassion and empathy for others while still defending my views on Elain (and Azriel).

However, the take that Elain's book is going to be centered around her acting in risky, irrational, or damaging ways because she has one goal and that is to be human again, is a theory I have ZERO respect for. So, with all due respect, which is none, please feel free to self insert disrespectfully at the end of each point as I systematically debunk this theory. This is probably the longest post I'll ever make. Strap in.

So, where TF did this come from?

On my tiktok, I addressed the fact that the rumor that there is going to be a betrayer in the Night Court ranks has zero grounds. We should collectively start to work to realize this is as accurate as Sarah having an announcement on May 1st, but alas it is a losing battle. However, I received a comment that said they also agreed that it was fake UNTIL they saw someone use text to support it. Apparently, one of the human queens insinuated there is a traitor in the Inner Circle. This is why, even though Sarah NEVER said this, people are now continuing to push this "Elain will be a traitor" agenda. Even accidentally or unintentionally out of her desire to be human. I made a whole video on this, but for context, here is the quote being used to fuel this:

Briallyn and Nesta are in a game of chicken with Briallyn trying to force Nesta to get the Trove by threatening she'll have Cassian kill her, and he'll never recover. When Nesta calls her on her bluff and says Briallyn won't kill her, Briallyn responds that there are other court members as delusional as Nesta (she is referring to her love for Cassian making her weak, delusional, and vulnerable) and she can just keep threatening members of the Night Court's loved ones until someone gets her what she wants. However, she put in *quite* a bit of time and effort on trapping Nesta first, didn't she?

My friends. Where does Briallyn say "there is a traitor among the Inner Circle's ranks?" Where does it say there is a mole? It doesn't. Yes, Briallyn has spies. As do all courts and kingdoms. But to suggest Briallyn said there is already a traitor in the Inner Circle specifically because of these quotes is unhinged and beyond willful distortion of the text to serve an invented narrative based on an unfounded rumor. I don't have time or energy to recap the whole vid, but moving on from this for now. Disrespectfully.

The next layer of the conversation is this: They think Briallyn is probably still foreshadowing Elain because Elain wants to be human so badly she'll unintentionally harm the Night Court and betray them, somehow, because of this quote and the conversation with Amren on Solstice. To which I said, there is way too much evidence in ACOSF that Elain is healthy, adjusted, and has friends and purpose in Velaris. The response to that was, well that's Nesta's perception and we can't trust her.

While the convo on tiktok was, I felt, respectful discourse and we agreed to disagree, the parasite in my brain went into full annihilation mode over this theory after thinking on it.

Because by this logic- if we aren't allowed to trust Nesta's or Cassian's perceptions that Elain is healthy and well and adjusted, or glowing with good health and finding purpose and friends, then we ALSO aren't allowed to trust Amren's assumption that Elain was curious about her choosing her Fae form because Elain wants to be human again. Elain never actually said that. Amren assumed it:

(yes I'm bringing so many receipts I exceeded the photo limit and had to start combining pages.)

At no point does Elain say anything about wanting to be human. In fact, this entire conversation is about Elain's curiosity over why Amren chose the form that she did, why she selected the gender, ect. It's honestly an interesting conversation, and when Amren makes assumptions about Elain having ulterior motives for asking the interesting question, *Elain's brow furrows in confusion.*

Elain straightens and becomes cold at Amren's assumption Elain still wants to be human. One could read this as Elain feeling embarrassed for being called out, but the pure fact is that it isn't the only explanation. In fact, Elain has spent all day cooking for everyone, spent the week shopping for Solstice presents and waxing poetic about the importance of honoring Solstice traditions (more on that later) and participating in the Fae customs, fussing over her appearance for the dinner she prepped for, ECT. It's equally as likely that she is hurt over being misunderstood by the new friends and family she has spent the day trying to making a perfect Solstice meal for and shop for everyone. Which is, if I'm not mistaken, Elain's whole damn theme. Her loved ones don't really see or understand her, while she observed and understands everything. Far more than they give her credit for.

Or maybe Elain has a fucking BEAST FORM. And is curious about what her powers can do with changing form.

The point is, it is all theory and assumption from another character. So, the dinner conversation at Solstice is now off the table using the very logic enforcing the Elain betrayal plotline by suggesting Nesta's perceptions of her are untrustworthy. So are Amren's. What's next? Disrespectfully.

There's only one other item people can use, from ACOFAS, which is Feyre's perception that Elain still wants Grayson. Which again, by this logic, is off the table now.

Feyre is the one who says Elain wants a human man. Elain didn't. So this can no longer be used as evidence.

All Elain says is Lucien is not entitled to her time and affections, and it's impossible for Lucien to care for her because he does not know her. Hmm. Someone thinking they know and care for Elain without actually knowing her. Theme, anyone? I thought I heard a theme bell chime.

Alright. So Nesta is wrong about Elain. Amren is wrong about Elain. Feyre is wrong about Elain.

So where are the grounds that Elain still wants to be human based on the text?

They don't exist.

But oh, that's not even the fun part! NOW is the fun part.

By eliminating others perceptions of Elain from the conversation as they are unreliable, what does that leave us?

Perhaps with Elain's own words and actions and nothing else?

You guys, I felt like a kid in a candy story with this one. Let's see what Elain told us about her thoughts regarding the human lands, starting with the most recent publication ACOSF:

Elain describes in great detail how she was bullied by other girls when she was younger. It's interesting, because Nesta previously said that Elain used to love balls and parties. And yet here, we find out that Elain wasn't treated well by the other girls in her own words speaking on her own experience. She goes on to *shudder in distaste* that in the human lands, it would have been perfectly suitable for Nesta to have been married off and "reserved" until she was old enough to reproduce. A thought that made Rhysand, a Fae, choke on his wine. And then of course, those same girls that tormented her delighted in her downfall.

When Elain speaks for herself instead of others speaking for her, it doesn't seem like she thinks very highly of the human lands, their customs, or their behavior, or the balls she attended does it? She certainly doesn't have any friends or anyone she misses. Everyone turned their backs on the sisters when they lost their money. And Elain witnessed this with Grayson as well, who turned his back on her the second her circumstances changed against her will again.

So uh, no. I don't think Elain is desperate to go back there.

And if course we have this ACOMAF banger:

So.... yeah. In Elain's own words, sharing her thoughts and beliefs, this is what she thinks about the rulers of the mortal lands. By the way, these same queens had her kidnapped and risked her life and took everything from her so they could test out whether mortals could survive being thrown in the Cauldron. But please, tell me more how Elain misses her human life so much that she'll screw over her friends and family to get it back. Disrespectfully.

Alternatively, in A Court and Frost and Starlight, here are the lovely thoughts Elain had about Fae culture:

Here's Elain working with her friends to bake Feyre's birthday cake, a representation of the three sisters:

Here's Elain surprising Nesta and Azriel with presents her very first Solstice, after chatting with local vendors and working with the Night Court's trusted healer:

Here is what Elain, Elain and no one else, has to say about being a member of the night court and ready to use her powers to serve it:

This is what happens when you cherry pick context. You create a new set of rules, which people like me are more than willing to follow. And if the rule is: Elain's thoughts and feelings are the only pieces of evidence allowed and not anyone else's thoughts or perceptions of her, it actually only proves the theory that Elain is going to betray the night court because she wants to be mortal again and return to the mortal lands even more wrong. Considering the theme once again, of how misunderstood and unseen Elain has been, the unbelievably ironic meta-ness of it all is overwhelming. Please, unplug yourself from the Matrix. Pay attention to Elain. It's in your best interest to at least attempt to see and understand her if you plan to read her book, or you are going to be very lost and confused.

Disrespectfully.

[8bitrosethorn]

Do y'all not understand that if anyone was going to save Elain from Hybern's camp, the order logically would've been:

Elain's Mate

Feyre (HL & Elain's sister)

Rhys (HL & Would do it to give Feyre relief)

Nesta (out of sheer willpower)

Mor (Rhys's 3rd/whatever her powers are)

Azriel

Cassian (because he was injured)

Amren (because let's be honest, doubt she gave af)

So please tell me, in what world would Azriel have any reason to save Elain before the 5 people who have the most connection to her?

Why was he the first one to say he's getting her back?

Nesta, who arguably loved Elain the most, even gave up hope and yet Azriel is the one who says he's getting her back.

Why? Why? Why?

There's a reason he saved her, not her sisters, certainly not her mate. There's a reason she kissed him on the cheek. There's a reason he demanded they get the chains off her even though he was dripping blood, wings shredded.

Sarah said "Isn't it obvious?"

And it is.

[8bitrosethorn]

I’m going to say something bold: I know who the next ACOTAR books will follow and in what order.

Sarah J Maas told us already. And I have receipts. Not from interviews or old screenshots or interpretations, but actual receipts. From the books.

Starting with A Court of Frost and Starlight’s description on SJM’s site:

We know that ACOFAS bridges the events for the series. And the first novel post ACOFAS is A Court of Silver Flames, which focuses on Nesta and Cassian.

So let’s dive deeper…

THE EVIDENCE

Exhibit 1

In Chapter 2, we have Rhysand’s conversation with Cassian asking a very important question of Cassian: Are you … happy?

Cassian is the first character to be asked if they were happy and gave a response that showed a need for character growth, one that Rhysand observed and wanted to support.

And whose book, along with his love interest, was first in the upcoming novels in the series? Cassian and Nesta’s.

The first character to be asked Are you happy? was the first character to find his happiness in the first spin-off novel.

Exhibit 2

In Chapter 12, the question is again repeated, this time from Feyre to Elain, who asks her sister: Are you—all right?

Elain is now the second character to be asked if they were “happy/all right” and respond in such a way that indicates that no, they aren’t fully all right but they want to try. 

Elain’s book will be next as she is the second person to be asked the question by our narrators, Feyre and Rhysand. Who also happen to be SJM's stand-ins for propelling the narrative in ACOFAS.

Exhibit 3

And finally, in Chapter 18, Feyre and Mor are catching up Solstice morning and the subject of Elain and Nesta is discussed:

Feyre wants to “fix everything” for Nesta and Elain aka help them find their happiness (which is later supported by the Feysand’s infamous “let's focus on helping one sister before we start on the other” from their ACOSF Bonus Chapter, but I digress).

But they won't find their happiness in ACOFAS. The sisters must find it in their books, which Nesta did with Cassian in his.

And then for a third and final time, it’s now Mor’s turn to hear the same question, this time from Feyre: And you—are you happy?

Mor isn’t ready to answer honestly. At least, not yet. Because her time will come. In her book. Which will be third.

Which leads me to...

CONCLUSION

SJM gave us the order of the ACOTAR sequel series when she had Feyre and Rhysand ask their closest companions: Are you happy?

And what order were they asked?

Cassian. Then Elain. Then Mor. 

And that’s the order we will get our answers. In their books. First, second, then third.

See you soon, Elain Archeron and Mor 🌸❤️

[8bitrosethorn]

“Elriel ended in ACOSF!” “It’s just lust!” Meanwhile ACOSF:

Sarah is screaming at us to see how much Azriel cares for Elain. He has lingering horror and pain at the idea of Elain being taken again just like Nesta. He hesitates for Elain to scry because of what happened the last time just like Nesta. He worries for Elain’s safely and takes precautions to protect her just as Feyre and Nesta would.

It’s not just lust. It’s not just a fling. He is protective of Elain because he deeply cares for her. And personally, I loveeee to see Az go feral at the idea of someone/something hurting Elain.

[8bitrosethorn]

Rhys Feelings Regarding Elain + Azriel:

It’s so funny when I see people arguing, saying things along the lines of “Rhysand isn’t an Elriel shipper”, “he knows that Azriel only wants to sleep with her and nothing more” when this scene in ACOWAR exists:

Rhys is, unfortunately, viewing Elain as a political pawn at this moment in the story. If Elain rejects the bond with Lucien to be with Azriel, then there’s nothing holding Lucien to the Night Court and Rhys believes that Lucien will take his talents elsewhere and sell the NC’s secrets to different courts.

So, of course Rhys was freaked out when he saw Elain + Azriel locked in an embrace in the hallway during Solstice. At that time in the story, he thought that he and Feyre were both going to die during Nyx’s birth.

The Night Court would’ve already been in shambles due to the death of both of their High Lords (who didn’t have an heir), add onto that a rogue Lucien selling their secrets to highest bidder and the possibility of a blood duel - it’s chaos. The Night Court would’ve been no more. The combination of these events would’ve been catastrophic and the wonderful, safe, place that Rhys + the IC worked so hard to create and sacrificed so much to acquire would’ve been gone in an instant.

So, of course Rhys lost it at that moment and demanded that Azriel stay away from Elain - his reaction has to do with his own fears and worries regarding the safety of his court and his loved ones - it doesn’t have anything to do with Elain + Azriel’s comparability as a couple.

[8bitrosethorn]

Gwynriels: The books speak for themselves.

The books: "Would you like me to show you the garden?" • But Elain did not balk from him, did not shy away • “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. • "I can help her," said Azriel, stepping to the table as Elain silently rose. • "She doesn't need anything" • It made sense, I supposed, that Azriel alone had listened to her. • But Azriel asked softly, "What about Elain?" • "I'm getting her back." Nesta slid her gaze to the shadowsinger. Azriel's hazel eyes glowed golden in the shadows. Nesta said, "Then you will die." Azriel only repeated, rage glazing that stare, "I'm getting her back." • "Are you hurt?" •

"You came for me." • Azriel still cradling Elain to his chest. He dripped blood behind him the entire time • "We need Helion to get these chains off her." • Yet Elain didn't seem to notice them as she rose up on her toes and kissed the shadowsinger's cheek. • "This is Truth-Teller," he told her softly. "I won't be using it today—so I want you to." • I have never once seen Azriel let another person touch that knife. • Light and dark, the space between their bodies a blend of the two. • "He is Elain's mate." I waited. "It would be an invasion of her privacy to track him." • "If Lucien kills Graysen, then good riddance." • "Are we supposed to get the sisters presents?" • I felt, more than saw, my sister go still as he approached. Her throat bobbed. • "Sit. I'll take care of it." • "Wait until everyone is seated before eating." • I made to move toward her, but someone beat me to it. • "Oh, that's from me." • Elain smiled again, ducking her head. Azriel mastered himself enough to say, "Thank you." • Azriel and Elain remained in the sitting room, my sister showing him the plans she'd sketched to expand the garden in the back of the town house • "Because of the shit with Elain?" Azriel stilled. "What happened to Elain?" • No one spoke, though shadows gathered in the corners of the room, like snakes preparing to strike. • "I know. I helped rescue Elain, after all." • Azriel stiffened, an outright sign of temper from him as he said quietly, "There is an innate darkness to the Dread Trove that Elain should not be exposed to." • Azriel stood in the doorway, monitoring them. As if he'd heard Elain's sharp laugh and wondered what had caused it. • Then his gaze shifted to Elain, and though it was utterly neutral, something charged went through it. Between them. • A pretty lie. She'd seen Azriel before the fire plenty. But she looked at who sat close to it and knew the answer. • Because her mate had been in the family room and Azriel had needed to stay by the door the whole time because he couldn't stand the sight of it, the scent of their mating bond • Letting his scarred fingers touch her immaculate skin. • It had never gone this far. They'd exchanged looks, the occasional brush of their fingers, but never this. Never blatant, unrestricted touching. • He needed to know what the skin of her neck tasted like. What those perfect lips tasted like. Her breasts. Her sex. He needed her coming on his tongue -- • How that beautiful face might appear as he entered her, what sounds she'd make. • Elain bit her lower lip, and it took every ounce of Azriel's restraint to keep from putting his own teeth there. • Her arousal drifted up to him, and his eyes nearly rolled back in his head at the sweet scent. He'd beg on his knees for a chance to taste it. • Just this taste in the dead of the longest night of the year, where only the Mother might witness them. • Tilting her face the way he wanted it. • Offer and permission • "You can't order me to do that."

[8bitrosethorn]

By now, we've all seen SJM's Instagram post sharing Guilty as Sin? by Taylor Swift from the Tortured Poets Department.

But we haven't talked about Blue Nile's The Downtown Lights, a song referenced in Guilty as Sin!

This song is woven in and out of Guilty as Sin?, name-dropped at beginning and the end.

Verse 1: Sometimes I walk away When all I really wanna do Is love and hold you right

Like how Azriel stopped himself from kissing Elain, walking away up the stairs at Solstice, perhaps? Speaking of stairs....

Outro: The golden lights, the loving prayers The colored shoes, the empty trains I'm tired of crying on the stairs The downtown lights

Golden lights? Like the faelights that gilded Elain's hair. And loving prayers, like Azriel thinking that only the Mother might witness them and it was sacrilege for his fingers to touch her?

My little Elriel heart is full today.

💙💖🦇🌸 Thank you for coming to my TED talk 🌸🦇💖💙

[8bitrosethorn]

"There’s no way Elain and Az are end game she’s not gonna be into the freaky, Gwynriel however…"

First of all, Elain gave her crush a cheeky yet useful Solstice gift to mute sex noises from his roommates and was then literally aroused when he touched her neck and people are out here acting like she isn't DTF?

Please make it make sense 🙃

[8bitrosethorn]

Thoughts regarding the subtleties on page 110 of acofas between az and elain from a fellow introvert:

just saying if a tall muscled dude who is the prettiest and quietest of all his friends gave me his extra special scary knife that he's never let anyone touch and ran into a murdering war camp to carry me out even though everyone told him not to... I, too, would probably see him at the dinner table and be all

oh fuck oh fuck i look like trash fuck are you kidding me he made everyone wait to eat until I sit fuck fuck fuck how is my hair HOW IS MY HAIR fuck there's flour all over me fuck why did I wear this stupid gown i look like a napkin fuck don't look at him don't breathe don't do anything oh my gods he made a joke to save me from being awkward are you kidding me are you kidding me he's an actual angel fuck im so fucked bury me in the garden after i die at this table from combusting in the light of this male's unholy halo fuck.

*says nothing, offers a grateful, shy smile.*

[8bitrosethorn]

And while we're at it, can we talk about people saying "Azriel's darkness" this and "Azriel's healing journey" that 🤨

What does that even mean?

Man has emotional and physical scars from his traumatic childhood and that has obviously left him with some self esteem issues and insecurity.

That's just the standard for most characters in SJM's universe. They all have some kind of trauma.

How is he going to "heal" from that? Through... training...? Something he's been doing as a warrior for 500 years now?

Through training someone else....? Something which he has already done in ACOSF with Nesta and the priestesses and look at that, he's still as broody as ever.

The fact is, all the bat boys felt undeserving of their love interests.

Rhys was afraid he would never have a love like Feyre, never have a family that wouldn't constantly be hunted down.

And yet, Rhys healed through Feyre's love for him.

Cassian felt like he was a low born bastard, not deserving of someone who would wed a prince or duke like Nesta.

And yet, Cassian also healed through Nesta's love for him.

Azriel, again, feels so undeserving of love after his past trauma and his unrequited pining for Mor for 500 years. He doesn't even think about having children, or a future with Elain because he feels so insecure about himself.

Wouldn't it also make sense that his doubts, all his insecurities would also be healed through Elain's love for him? A love that she would choose over even a mating bond.

And before anyone says "Oh we're expecting Elain to be used as some pretty thing to heal him"... no? That's not what is being said.

Elain also has a choice here. She has made it very obvious she does not want her cauldron-given mate. She wants Azriel. Nobody is "expecting her to heal him" like it's so simple as waving a magic wand and poof! Healed.

But just as Feyre & Nesta chose their partners and helped them envision a more hopeful future, Elain will have the same effect on Azriel.

She's not here to "fix him". Whatever that means.

It has been foreshadowed countless times how Elain will surprise us when it comes to her true nature and personality.

She was more than capable of understanding Nesta, standing by her regardless of how many times Nesta bit back. She is stronger than she looks. She's not some pretty stupid thing that will see Azriel and run away screaming. She has a different kind of strength and I'm exhausted of trying to defend that ability to see the good in everything even when the world has gone to shit.

Something tells me she will see the blood on Azriel's hands, help lighten the burden on his shoulders, and find him beautiful anyways.

because that's romance PEOPLE 🫶🏼

[8bitrosethorn]

All of this focus on Azriel’s horny feelings for Elain, but can we please talk about how Elain completely led her moment with Az in the bonus chapter?

Elain closed the distance, and her breathing quickened as she again paused, now a scant foot away.

Azriel let his shadows whisk away the box as she said softly, "Put it on me?"

His head went quiet. But he took the necklace, opening the clasp as she exposed her back, sweeping her hair up in one hand to bare her long, creamy neck.

Azriel's fingers lingered at her nape, atop the first knob of her spine. Slowly, Elain pivoted into his touch. Until his palm lay flat against her neck.

"I should go," Elain said, but made no move to leave.

Her arousal drifted up to him, and his eyes nearly rolled back in his head at the sweet scent. He'd beg on his knees for a chance to taste it.

Elain shuddered, drifting closer. So close one deep breath would brush her breasts against his chest.

“Yes" Elain breathed, like she read the decision. Just this taste in the dead of the longest night of the year, where only the Mother might witness them.

Elain's mouth parted slightly, her eyes scanning his before fluttering shut.

Offer and permission.

Girlie went for what she wants and Azriel, ever the gentleman, read her cues perfectly and only took what she offered. I love a couple built with respect and mutual attraction, there’s truly nothing hotter.

[8bitrosethorn]

It's almost like SJM planned for this 🤷🏼‍♀️

Elain, Azriel, Ramiel.

Feyre: “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.”

Rhys: “If I had not met a Shadowsinger, I would not have known that it is the family you make, not the one you are born into, that matters. I would not have known what it is to truly hope, even when the world tells you to despair.”

About Ramiel: Ramiel is the angel of hope, and he is credited with two tasks: He is responsible for divine visions and he guides the souls of the faithful into heaven. Ramiel represents hope and grief.

Archangel Azrael: A grieving soul could turn to Archangel Azrael for help to achieve comfort and calm. He helps those dealing with grief recover and gain back control over their lives.

[8bitrosethorn]

A hint of Jasmine

Throughout Acotar, the Jasmine flower is mentioned a couple of times. First, in relation to Elain and second, in relation to the Night Court. Today I’m going to be breaking down some facts and a little bit of history about this beautiful flower that blooms at night and how it is both attached to Elain and the Night Court.

Here is a quote from the ACOTAR series that shows Elain smells like Jasmine: “Elain was in the private library. Nesta knew it before she’d cleared the stairs, covered in dust from the library. Her sisters delicate sent of Jasmine and Honey lingered in the red-stoned hall.”

Here is a quote from the ACOTAR series that shows the Night Court / Verlaris smells like Jasmine: “I smelled Jasmine first—then saw stars flickering beyond glowing pillars of moonstone that framed the sweeping view of endless snowcapped mountains. ‘Welcome to the Night Court,’ was all Rhys said.”

Here are two quotes that show the Night Court has Jasmine flowers:

“Nesta ran a finger over her ivory and obsidion place setting, examining the silverware and vines of night-bloomimg Jasmine engraved around the hilts.”

and

“Great scaled black beasts were carved into those gates, all coiled together in a nest of claws and fangs, sleeping and fighting, some locked in an endless cycle of devouring each other. Between them flowed vines of Jasmine and moon flowers.”

What is Jasmine? Jasmine is a rich and flourishing plant and is one of the most beautiful and fragrant flowers in the world.

What does the Jasmine flower represent? Jasmine flowers symbolize love, beauty and sensuality. It’s pure white blossoms also represent purity.

In the ACOTAR series it is said by the Archeron sisters mother that Elain “shall wed for love and beauty.”

What is the language of the Jasmine flower? In the language of flowers, the Jasmine flower is saying “I care deeply” or “I am with you in spirit.”

What is the Biblical meaning of the Jasmine name? The meaning of Jasmine is “Gift from God.”

Reminder: Azriel and Elain’s name meanings in Hebrew both have to do with God and are both connected to each other, like a puzzle piece. Azriel’s name meaning in Hebrew is “God is my help.” Elain’s name meaning in Hebrew is “God has answered me.”

What does Jasmine symbolize in Buddhism? Jasmine holds great importance in Buddhism. It symbolizes compassion, empathy and showing kindness to all living beings of the world.

A quote from Feyre about Elain in ACOWAR: “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.”

Jasmine in Greek Mythology: In Greek Mythology, Jasmine is associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love.

What is the emotion of Jasmine flowers? The scent of Jasmine has the abilty to relax and uplift. It is a floral, musky, sweet and sensual scent all at once.

When do Jasmine flowers bloom? Jasmine flowers bloom at night to attract nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bats. Night blooming Jasmine is also known as Lady of the night.

What does it mean to smell Jasmine at night? Smelling Jasmine at night could be a sign that the spirit of a loved one is checking in on you or wants to communicate.

What do the colors of Jasmine represent? White is for innocence. Pink is for new love. Yellow is for joy.

Diving Deeper: In some traditions, Jasmine is believed to attract positive energy, promote happiness and offer protection against negative influences. The Jasmine flower could also symbolize hope, good fortune and positive outcomes. The delicate blossoms of the flower are seen as happiness and prosperity.

[8bitrosethorn]

Just a small compilation of Azriel being an absolute gentleman and putting out his sexiest, girthiest husband energy when Elain Archeron is around.

Azriel putting on his sexy lil stone cold manners for Elain after a smile bloomed on his mouth watching her clutching her fork like a weapon.

Carrying her bridal style into the townhouse and offering an arm, graceful as any courtier, to show her the garden. I'm choking.

Going still at the sight of Elain in her dusty pink dress, then sketching a bow and inserting himself into the "Let's take Elain to see the herbs she planted" situation.

Telling Elain to sit down after she has clearly been cooking all day and offering to take care of serving.

And making everyone wait to eat until she is seated.

Someone put a goddamn leash on me I can't stop *BARKING*

[8bitrosethorn]

I love them so much 😭🥹🌸🦇

Friendly reminder that Azriel means “God is my help” in Hebrew, and is a name derived from the angel of Death, while Elain(e) means “my God has answered me” (biblically), “bright light” (from French & Scottish), and “fawn” in Welsh…

… friendly reminder that the lovely fawn stood before Death and received Truthteller, which formed the bridge of connection between light & dark—and that Elain answered her sister’s prayers upon having received that helpful blade from Azriel.

Think about it.

We have this a heartbreakingly selfless man who’s only ever endeavoured to help others, who’d been locked away & deprived of sunlight in childhood, who believes himself dirty and underserving of anything good, and he looks at this lovely, overlooked woman—whom he thinks glows like the sun at dawn—as the answer to his prayers. Az associates their moment in the dark and quiet to the sanctity of the Mother, and found the strength to question the very core of his beliefs, because it is not her he doubts; it is the fate itself.

And Elain, in turn, who has only ever been regarded as a fragile, dutiful, pretty face, looks at him and sees the one who listened to her & valued her, who trusted her with his blade & enabled her to save her sister, who sunbathes next to her in comfortable company; she sees beyond the warrior, all the way through the man with the beautiful hands & earthy eyes she brings to life.

And I think that’s everything.

[8bitrosethorn]

“What if the powers that be put you with the wrong person”— SJM, Today show interview, 2024

“What if the cauldron was wrong.”— Azriel, ACOSF bonus chapter

That’s the same sentence, your honor.

[8bitrosethorn]

Rhys's Speech in WaR Hints at Elriel

I was reading Rhys's pre-war speech in Wings and Ruin, and couldn't help but notice that the attributes he mentions for Cassian and Azriel seem to maybe hint at their future loves

For Cassian:

"If I had not met an Illyrian warrior-in-training, I would not have known the true depths of strength, of resilience, of honor and loyalty."

We know in Nessian's story, strength and resilience were huge themes. Keep reaching out your hand. Building yourself up, getting strong, physically and mentally. They did that together.

For Azriel:

"If I had not met a shadowsinger, I would not have known that it is the family you make, not the one you are born into, that matters. I would not have known what it is to truly hope, even when the world tells you to despair."

This just screams Elriel themes. The family you make - meaning choice is more important than blood or even cauldron-made bonds. All the discourse of "pliant bones," Elain not having her anatomy changed, etc....none of that matters, because it is the family you make that matters.

And the part about hope? You know what seems hopeless? Being in love with a female who already has a mate!! Azriel is daring to hope - even when everything and everyone is telling him to despair. Because fighting for Elain is worth it. No matter what anyone else says.