niloagray

[niloagray]

Letter from Clary to Jace (for Kickstarter)

[written for Theresa]

Dear Clary,

You said you wanted me to write you a letter for your birthday, so here I am, writing that letter. At first I thought that maybe you weren’t serious. After all, we live in the same house. We are not separated by time, dimensions, or the turbulent ocean, which are the usual reasons people write letters.

 I thought maybe you were being self-effacing, that you just didn’t want me to go to any trouble, especially when we have wedding planning coming up (hopefully soon—since we’re waiting on a peace process, it could be a while). 

So I came up with the idea of taking you on a flying motorcycle to see the Northern Lights, but when I suggested it you said no, you only wanted a letter. 

I suggested we portal to the south of France and pick lavender and have a picnic, but you said no, you wanted a letter. 

I suggested we use our Shadowhunter skills to break into the Met so you could stand in front of every painting for as long as you want, but you said no, you’d rather have a letter. 

I suggested we portal to the Tokyo International Anime Fair, because I remembered you saying you’d always wanted to go, but you said no, you’d rather have a letter. 

I suggested I could find you the best, most beautiful sword that you’d ever seen, and had your initials carved into it, or a subtle message like “I <3 Jace” but you said no, you’d rather have a letter.

And then I realized that while we have had an amazing time together all these years, and  we’ve always gone around the world and seen incredible things, that things are different now. Now there is a shadow hanging over everything, the shadow of the situation in Alicante. And I realized that what you actually wanted is something you can keep with you that reminds you of hope.

So let me tell you, in this letter, why you should hope. 

Because no matter what we are facing, we are still us, Jace and Clary. We still have our friends and the people who love us. We have faced so much together, and we have always come out of the darkness into light. And in the end, I believe that love will always win out against hate, because I have faced some of the greatest evil that has ever been known, and the strength I have found in how much I love you has always carried me through. So keep this letter with you, even the in dark moments. Especially in the dark moments. I hope that it brings you comfort to know that I love you more than life itself. And if it doesn’t, remember: You could have had a flying motorcycle ride to see the Northern Lights, and you turned it down.

yours, 

Jace

[niloagray]

Warning- another rambling, self indulgent post.

So, I’ve been around a while and been a part of shipping in many different fandoms, and I’ve always been like ship what characters you want and be happy. We don’t all have to agree or convince each other.

I say this because I’m about to give my humble opinion on a few acotar ships, and if you are a g*ynriel who happens to come across this, go on and be happy with your ship. Write your fanfics, draw your art. I’m glad you’ve found a bit of joy and distraction from this crazy world.

Also I am open to all kinds of fun pairings. I mean I am writing an Elain x Rhys fanfic, and I desperately want to find time to write an Aida’s x Elain little fic in my mind. I like Gwyn and Tarquin though I have no reason to, and after reading Every Rose, Gwyn x Eris has made me raise my eyebrow. Elain/Mor, Gwyn/emerie, etc… there are all kinds of ships I could enjoy, but I like reading comprehension and good stories the best so….

Gw*nriwel

This is the one ship I just cannot do. I don’t know if it’s the power dynamic between the two, or the fact she is described like an adolescent in the book (coltish and young) but the thought of her and Az is just not my thing. I like the character fine, though she is written a little suspicious.

If this happens, I can’t see it being some grand love story that spans a book. I think it would have to be in the background like Amren/Varian or a hint of it happening in the future. I could be wrong. This will never be my thing, and I have no interest in reading a story about them. I’m not going to cry or rage. I’ll just move on.

El*cien

Honestly, I could see SJM making me like this fine. I like both characters, and I’m sure she could do some sort of forced proximity/ arranged marriage thing or something. But it would have to be an Elain/ Lucien POV book which means we wouldn’t get Azriel’s story. (It just feels like a book only about him would be out of place in this series)

If this happens, I’m open to it. It will never be my favorite but eh, I could see it being entertaining.

Vassien

Yes! Please! I don’t know why, but I really want this. I want to learn more about Vassa and there is something about Lucien finding his place and falling in love with a human. I mean I know he will probably end up in Day, but being chosen is what he needs.

Elriel

I went into acotar cold, completely unspoiled for the most part. I took it very much as it is read, and I just accepted Elain/Azriel were a thing. Then I started seeing the TikTok’s, reading the tweets, coming here, and I was like WTH.

I read the bonus chapter and what I got out of it was that Az and Elain want each other bad, snd Gwyn has some sus powers. That’s it.

When it comes down to it, some of the most beautiful writing/imagery in the book has to do with Elain/Az. And can we please have a friends to lovers, chosen, somewhat healthy relationship? Can we have a spy novel and learn more about the twins? I mean if they end up being mates, fine, but I want them to choose each other before knowing it.

There is just so much to do with them that would make a good story. Rhys telling Azriel to stay away, Elain’s powers, and her hints of being a spy, her being able to wield truth teller and killing the king by stepping out of a dang shadow, the court politics (you can’t tell me Beron wouldn’t want to find a way to get to Elain’s powers by declaring she is his son’s mate and belongs in Autumn) There is just to much more..

And honestly if this doesn’t happen in some form, none of their interactions, or that blasted bonus chapter will make sense. If it’s not at least addressed there will be so much left hanging that it will be ridiculous.

Also three “brothers” three sisters is not overdone, and it goes with the theme. It’s hinted so much not only in acotar but in CC2 as well, SJM might as well just came out and said it. The three most powerful Illyrians ever found each other and stumbled upon three Made sisters. Three stars, three mountains and this:

Two intersecting triangles. Male and female, dark and light, above and below … and the power that lies in the place where they meet.”

I mean come on…

But seriously ship who you want (well maybe not Elain/tamlin, please) but be kind.

[niloagray]

smut ★★★

enemies to lovers slow burn where they barely hold hands★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

[niloagray]

Elain & Azriel - Sing Me

The connections between Elain, Azriel, and the Cauldron.

When we are first getting to know Azriel, Rhys tells us this.

“Perhaps the shadowsinger gift had come to him then, perhaps he’d taught himself the language of shadow and wind and stone”

This tells us exactly what Azriel’s shadowsinging ability (gift) is. It’s the understanding and use of a language not heard by the average person. Azriel can hear and sense things others cannot. In Hyburn, he hears a heartbeat from the cauldron. We even get the like calls to like line here as well.

Shortly after Elain is turned fae, we get these comments from her.

Elain hears a heartbeat through the stone. Is it the cauldrons heartbeat, Azriel’s? The text hints right away that it is probably not Lucien’s. But who hears Elain, understands what she is going through? Azriel.

Now we have established that both Elain and Azriel have heard some sort of heartbeat/things others cannot. Fast forward to Elain’s abduction by the cauldron. What lures her out? A song from the cauldron most others cannot hear. And as soon as the song ends, Azriel is asking about Elain.

Now, lets look at this rescue. First thing that jumps out is the use of heart/heartbeat references. Here are a few…paying special attention to how the power from Azriel’s siphon is described.

Also during the rescue, Feyre wonders if the Cauldron trapped Elain in an in-between. Is this the murky realm Elain can find herself in on her own? Who do we know that can go to the space between places? Azriel. Who pulls her from her "murky realm"? Azriel.

During the rescue, Feyre also notes the Cauldron devouring light. What else does this consistently? Truth Teller. The blade only Azriel and Elain have used. Here is a post with even more Elain/Az/TT light devouring imagery.

And Lastly, if we take the very first thing we hear about Azriel literally. It fits with what Feyre describes Hyburns war camp to be, while Elain is there, Azriel going after her.

It may be that Sing Me is not actual singing, but a shared ability, a desire to be understood, seen, heard. Can Elain and Azriel hear each other's hearts? A song, if you will? Are their seemingly shared and complementary gifts indicative of a bond, or something even deeper?

[niloagray]

I don’t say much on here, but I think it says a lot about the acotar online fandom that many are against the healthiest relationship in the books. Though it’s been in the background, Elain and Azriel have come together as friends in what seems the purest form.

You have obvious evidence of him caring for her, wanting to help her. Then you have on page evidence of her understanding him. Sure, it’s not written out in some big grand gestures, but her never shying from him or afraid to touch his hands. The gifts she gives him that are practical, light hearted, and show she knows him. All of this is showing they have something together. Maybe the author will abandon it, but it’s there.

And I’m sorry, but a male over five centuries old doesn’t just seek out another female that many times to be kind. He doesn’t stay until late in the morning just to speak with her because he’s bored. He must enjoy her company as well.

If it happens, and I hope it does, it will be one of the healthiest and best put together relationships in the SJM universe. Some of the most beautiful writing in Acotar is centered around Azriel and Elain’s connection.(my opinion, of course)

I’m tired of hearing he doesn’t really care about her or that he is just a trauma response for her. It isn’t written that way. It’s just not. All of Azriel’s actions and care for Elain go way beyond lust. Her trust and care for him are more than a trauma response.

People are free to ship who they want, but the lack of reading comprehension in this sphere frightens me.

Just the Saturday ramblings of an old woman.

[niloagray]

PAZIREA🥺✨

redraw of a piece from november 2020

[niloagray]

Azriel: You're pretty cute when you're sweet.

Elain: And when I'm not sweet?

Azriel: Hot as fuck.

[niloagray]

Light and Dark,

the space between their bodies a blend of the two.

  ⊱❊⊰⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣⤞ art by PandyAls_Art

⤞ commissioned by me 

⊱❊⊰⁣⁣⁣

When Feyre painted that gorgeous vision of Elain and Azriel in her mind – of “the lovely fawn, blooming spring vibrant behind her. Standing before Death, shadows and terrors lurking over his shoulder”- I was instantly taken with the poignancy of this imagery. The meeting of Light and Dark, and the bridge connecting them together. The blend of two as one together. ⁣

⁣I think that’s especially beautiful for the story Elain and Azriel have had so far. ⁣

⁣Elain, who glows like the sun at dawn, yet can step from amongst the shadows to take down a villain. To protect.⁣

Azriel, whose shadows are ready to strike like snakes in the dark, yet can lighten into sunlight. To embrace.⁣

A collection of meaningful moments.

There is Azriel dripping in blood after rescuing Elain, who took no mind as she rose up on her toes to kiss his cheek in thanks. ⁣

There is Azriel gently taking  Elain’s hand in his, “as if afraid his scars would hurt her,” yet "she did not balk." In fact, she looked upon that Siphon-carrying brutally scarred hand and breathed one word.

"𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡."

⁣There is Elain smelling of jasmine and honey. Night-blooming jasmine is in particular a scent heavily associated with the Night Court. Her new home.

Sometimes what a flower needs is a bit of shadow. ⁣ 

The power and possibility intertwining their stories is indelible.⁣

⁣Beauty vanquishing fear. A kiss unafraid of blood spilt. ⁣

⁣Light meets Dark. ⁣

⁣And holds on tight. ⁣

⊱❊⊰⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Do not repost, please.

Characters belong to Sarah J. Maas

Click here to support this piece on instagram.

[niloagray]

“Nesta.” [..] “I think she would like Velaris, despite herself. And I think Elain—Elain would like it, too.”

Question time: Which Archeron sister do you relate too or are inspired by the most? ✨

This gorgeous work of art is by someone that I will never get enough of working with because she is phenomenal, — @__alex_oxy__ 💙 The way each sister is so easily distinguishable and unique to themselves is *chefs kiss*

Do NOT repost please.

[niloagray]

When people go on long rant about how Elain can’t be with Azriel because he is ‘dark’ and a torturer, who enjoys his work. How she wouldn’t be able to accept him and how he is so violent and has these cruel tendencies and he has to ‘deal’ with them, because he is unhinged and relishes in cruelty.

And all I can say is that…he is Fae. And an Illyrian. And they are ALL violent and cruel. That’s the whole thing–they are a different species. He has 7 Siphons which control his ‘KILLING POWER’. He is bred to kill. Torture is really not a biggie to him. Cassian tears his enemies with his bare hands. Rhysand mists his. He breaks into people’s minds and could make them mad or completely change their entire identities. ‘Sweet Cinnamon Roll’ Tarquin drowned a whole army of his prisoners of war. 

They don’t need therapy. That’s what they are and Elain is one of them now and is perfectly capable of accepting ‘darkness’. She is dark herself, because she is Fae. She can stab someone in the neck and not be broken up by it. 

[niloagray]

Nesta deserved EXACTLY what Feyre got in ACOMAF. The love, support, TIME, adoration, help, and space.

[niloagray]

IC: With that attitude no one will love you

Nesta: Good

Stans:

[niloagray]

“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙜𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙀𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣'𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧, 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙬𝙣.” (…) “𝙃𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 ”~𝘈𝘻𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘭 𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘊𝘖𝘚𝘍 by 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘩 𝘑 𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘴

Commission by: @forget-me-not-s & I

Surprise!! It has been so hard to keep this one a secret as we were so excited for all of you to see!

We where saving this for a special occasion and what’s more special than one of our birthdays! Today’s (Morgans) special day!

The inspiration behind this scene is a mix of this two quotes that happened during Azriel’s POV. We wanted something that expressed comfort and intimacy. See how many you can find within the art!

@clarywhy is once again the incredible artist that created this epic romantic scene. She completely blew us away with this masterpiece, we truly needed time to process how gorgeous it was. We love working with Clary, it’s always a dream working with her, her vision and talent is just out of this world incredible. So thank you lovely, we will always treasure you for helping us bring this to life. We hope you all love it as much as we do!

༻❁༺

Please treat people with kindness! No 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 will be tolerated.

DON’T REPOST. Likes and shares are appreciated! 💛

[niloagray]

𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏.

⊱❊⊰⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣⤞ art by _wizzrd_

⤞ commissioned by me 

⊱❊⊰⁣⁣⁣

Do not repost, please.

[niloagray]

“She scanned Elain from head to toe, wondering if she’d been taking lessons in stealth either from Azriel or the two half-wraiths she called friends.”

Elriel Month: Week Two (Spies, Powers & Daggers)

This has to be one of my favourite prompts in terms of creative freedom because of how much potential Elriel have, I hope you enjoy this work of art that the insanely talented @__alex_oxy__ who truly took what was a vague idea and then turned around and crafted a whole scenic masterpiece. Thank you Oksana!

I am beyond words! Please feel free to discuss in the comments/below how you think Elain’s abilities will manifest in her book👀

Characters belong to @therealsjmaas 🫶🏻

Please DO NOT repost on any socials. Thank you.

[niloagray]

“Allow me to make something clear, you are to stay away from her.”

“You can’t order me to do that.”

Forbidden.

Art by: pandyals_art on instagram

Commissioned by: Court of Elriel and Azrielsfawn on twiiter

[niloagray]

ACOTAR 5:

The

Handmaidens

&

Spies

How many of us have been wondering what on earth Elain, Nuala and Cer get up to when they not baking.... Lol there's no away they just chill and bake all day😂😂🤭

Do they usually chill and indulge in Rhys whiskey and bourbon collections, while cackling about what they do behind the scenes?

I'm so starved to read about their friendship🥺🥺

Best part is ACOFAS gave us insight that these 3 lovely ladies, might share similar and wise views on the appreciation of life and the value of reflecting...

Nuala said this to Feyre:

"It's a time of rest, too. And a time to reflect on the darkness - how it lets the light shine."

Elain said this to Feyre:

I love this scene, we get to see Elain being wise and also being a big sister to Feyre.🙃

" It's their tradition though... One that they fought and died to protect in the war. Perhaps that's the better way to think of it, rather than feeling guilty. To remember that this day means something to them. All of them, regardless of who has more, who has less, and in celebrating the traditions, even through the presents, we honor those who fought for its very existence, for the peace this city now has."

Oh a sexy bonus: Didn't Az say something similar to Nesta in ACOSF on Solistice? 😏

"They pull people together. And bring them joy. They are a time to pause and reflect and gather, and those are never bad things"

Or do we ignore that too? 😬 I don't know if you can tell but I'm feeling a little salty😪😂...

And what's Amren always saying? Likes call to likes😏🤭

When the written word is just so in your face! 😏😌

ACOTAR 5 is gonna be so lit!!! We're finally going to learn more about the Twins and we just know they gonna be teasing Elain about Az after probably side eyeing him like this for the time that Elriel has been avoiding each other.

Also wonder how many times have the twins shadow walked Elain? 😏🤭

Elain's friends are Spies and Handmaidens... Elain has shown keen abilities in stealth and secret keeping - she's also helping people with their gardens across the city... The info she is privvy too. Sounds like another Spy in disguise to me or do we act like it's moving to quickly and we can't hear it? 😎

My excitement to have some insight to their friendship is flying off the charts.