rae2velaris - Tumblr blog

[rae2velaris]

Yay! Finally finished this Elriel fanart inspired by the AMAZING fanfiction written by my friend, @violetasteracademic. 🥰❤️ I can't express how remarkably talented she is! When she reached out to me and passionately described her Elriel fanfiction, I was instantly inspired! Can't wait to create more fanart for the story. 🥰❤️

If you're looking for a great read, please check out her fanfiction, but also her tumblr page. She has incredible incites on Elriel, and I'm so incredibly happy she's taken the plunge into posting her ideas!

[rae2velaris]

Counting up how many times a character appears in a book is fine and all and to readers who maybe don’t understand literary devices outside of fOrEsHaDoWinG, I can understand how this might seem compelling. But it only works when context and characterization is stripped away.

It wouldn’t matter if Azriel was in every single chapter in SF, it still doesn’t mean he’s getting a book. What character developments did Azriel actually undergo in SF?

The reader finds out:

Az hasn’t been sleeping -> because of Elain

Az is avoiding the river house-> because of Elain

Az is over Mor-> because of Elain

Az was cold and aloof days after solstice ->because of Elain

Az doesn’t want Luc*en around-> because of Elain

“His secret to tell” what is his secret?->Elain

Az doesn’t like close physical contact. Who’s touch does he actively seek out though?-> Elain’s

Az has a cold and cunning competitive streak and will pull out a master strategy in order to get the result he wants.-> I think it’s a fair assumption that this is going to correlate to him pushing back on Rhys’s order (because of his feelings for Elain)

All of the things revealed about Az revolve around Elain. Other than that, his character is static, there is no character growth, there is nothing learned about Az that pushes the narrative forward (unless he pairs up with Elain). Every single time Elain is in the room or just brought up in conversation in SF, Az has a corresponding reaction and response. (The only time this doesn’t happen is during the birth, understandably)

Elain, on the other hand, may have only shown up in 8 chapters, but she made those appearances count, because she is a dynamic character. Elain’s growth as a character has been restricted to the background, but it has been strong and steady since book 1. In her handful of appearances in SF we find out:

Elain has adjusted to life in Velaris - family, friends, community, and hobbies

She volunteers to search for the Trove despite the dangers

She offers to reacquaint herself with her powers

We find out she still has all her powers (plural)

She is pushing back on being infantilized by those around her

She has a newfound boldness and stands up to Nesta

She is not a virgin and she enjoyed her sexual experience

She is over Greyson

She is associated with stealth and secret keeping by multiple characters

She’s praying to Fae gods

She is up to something behind the scenes, that is remarked on by Cas

She’s sharing shy smiles and charged glances with Azriel

Multiple characters say not to underestimate Elain

Offer and permission

Some of Elain’s developments have to do with Azriel, but most do not. Her developments rely on her own growth as a character, not his. The same can not be said about Azriel’s character development. (This is an SJM pattern y’all)

I don’t know, but all of this sounds like it’s meant to pique the reader’s interest in Elain. And has Elain ripe to take over as the next FMC with her corresponding batboy, who’s world and development revolves around her. Az is primed to take the backseat and be Elain’s support and cheerleader in HER book. His story is going to be told, but it’s going to be told as he helps Elain on her journey of coming into herself and her power.

[rae2velaris]

I love this so much! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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 🌸❤️

[rae2velaris]

#receipts #parallels #elriel

But Azriel looked at Elain with pity. Ok, like Hunt with Bryce.

But Elain rejected Azriel’s gift. Ok. Like Nesta with Cassian.

But Elain didn’t look back (when she gave truth-teller to Azriel). Ok. Like Elide with Lorcan.

But Azriel said it was a mistake. Ok. like Aelin with Rowan.

I love parallels.

Thank you for pointing to us all the points in commun that Elriel has with sjm’s other couples.

[rae2velaris]

Elain...Elain...

Blossoming right in front of us, surprising those around her.

ACOMAF

ACOWAR

ACOFAS

ACOSF

[rae2velaris]

The Book of Breathings wasn’t just talking about bringing its pieces together…

“The other one…Bring the other one…let us be joined, let us be free.”

“The other one” = the only couple yet to be joined.

“Lovely girl, beautiful bird-so sweet, so generous…”

lovely girl = Elain. Beautiful Bird = Azriel

“Together together together”

(Feyre/Rhysand) (Nesta/Cassian) (Elain/Azriel)

✨

[rae2velaris]

Thank you @livywoohoo for the inspiration from your post!

[rae2velaris]

Elriel month sneak peek, anyone? 👀

[rae2velaris]

On Mate Behavior: Elriel

So, when it comes to Azriel's mate behavior, I would say the most commonly discussed point (which I definitely agree with) to *disprove* that Azriel displays any mate behavior towards Gwyn is his overall calm demeanor and focus on Eris when the Valkyrie are kidnapped in the middle of the night and dropped into the Blood Rite.

However, there is another example that additionally highlights the lack of "mate behavior" in the bonus chapter, and I truly don't see it come up that often, though I think it is even more telling!

When he meets Gwyn's gaze, and that bloody memory of when he first "met" her (if you would like to call that their meeting) flashes, he is otherwise completely unruffled. He simply reflects on Gwyn's growth, and two seconds later, is snorting and having an easy, playful conversation.

While this certainly points to their comfortability and fun banter that they share, it does not scream *mate behavior.*

ToG and CC spoilers ahead

I think about Rowan seeing Aelin's ruined back for the first time, and being so overcome with anger at discovering the violence that had been enacted on her that he took to the skies to get control of his violent instincts:

I think of Cassian in his bonus chapter with Nesta- going into a rage as he smelled Nesta's fear while she recalled Tomas's attempted assault. He would have gone to kill him right then, I have no doubt:

I think of Ruhn hating Lidia, being sick over discovering the female he had fallen for was The Hind. And yet, when Pollux lays a hand on her, he was ready to rip out his throat for hurting Lidia. He couldn't understand how he could hate her and need her and want to kill for her at the same time:

So I do think it's interesting that in comparison to the to the other mated males who get a POV and an inside look into their heads while they reflect on trauma their mates have been through (even before knowing they are mates, which is the case in all three of these examples) they are completely unhinged. And yet we get this pointed moment where Azriel actively reflects on Gwyn's trauma, the absolute horrors that had been done to her and... nothing. A snort, and a little bit of form correction and teasing.

Meanwhile in this same book, Elain gets called boring and Azriel's shadows are like hoe who do we need to mf-ing end right tf now:

Azriel has already established that he believes the Cauldron could be wrong. While I personally disagree that there is foreshadowing to Azriel and Gwyn being mates, even in trying to give it a fair and unbiased look and say okay- could they be mates? I still wind up drawing the conclusion that even if they are, it would mean as little to Azriel as Elain's mating bond currently means to her.

I am personally super open minded about whether or not Azriel and Elain are true mates. I think a reveal that they are could be lovely. I also think them choosing each other above all, even fate, would be lovely.

But there is simply no denying that these two already have a set up plotline of questioning the Cauldron, and the only two characters *acting* like mates in this scenario are Az and Elain.

As always, I am Lucien and Gwyn positive even though I ship Elriel, so be kind in the comments! But I just really don't see how this could possibly play out any other way. Azriel has had too many on page opportunities, even from his personal POV, to display mate behavior towards Gwyn and there is nary a lick. It's just... not how a lead up to a mate reveal typically goes. So the pure, undiluted facts are that even if you think Sarah is a "fated mate" author above all, she is not treating these characters as she usually does. And that is noteworthy.

Thank you for joining me on this dissertation!

[rae2velaris]

Art by

@sncinderart

@oblivionsdream commissioned by @StardustSteph

@virtual__bunny commissioned by @captnswreads and @StardustSteph

@enchanted_chapters_art

@enchanted_chapters_art

@jessamyart and commissioned by @jasmineandshadows

@diielliee

@_jinin on Instagram and commissioned elainqueen on tumblr

@lulybot

@clarywhy

[rae2velaris]

People who think Hunt Athalar is boring wouldn’t know a healthy man if one bit them on the ass

"Hunt's boring!"

No, actually! He just knows how to treat a woman...and communicate his feelings...and be emotionally vulnerable!

That's not boring, baby. That's HEALTHY.

[rae2velaris]

art by @bibillustrate

Screenshots:

ACOSF Bonus Chapter Azriel

https://everygirllovessparkles.com/blogs/news/what-is-the-rarest-stained-glass-color

https://islandfreepress.org/hatteras-island-features/a-beachcombers-view-purple-seaglass/

[rae2velaris]

You know what's a wild thought, I ship Elriel because...the author also...ships Elriel. 😱Crazy, I know.

[rae2velaris]

When your garden is filled with weeds, you aren't able to see or enjoy what's truly beautiful within...

I'm always inspired by Elain Archeron, so let's do a garden themed post.

SJM's canon events are beautiful flowers we plant in our gardens to cherish. Just be careful not to dull their beauty by allowing weeds, harmful plants, and pests to dominate your garden.

Theories are fascinating but can quickly become weeds. Pruning "what-if," "I feel," and "I want" will reveal what's left - SJM's story that's full of beauty. Theories are to be fun, so keep it that way by staying true to the novels.

Be careful what you allow in your gardens. As beautiful as some plants may be, they might be harmful to your cherished flowers. If we allow them to remain, it could eventually destroy your garden. SJM uses mythologies and fairytales for inspiration, but it's only for inspiration, that's it. She will always place her own spin in her novels. Allowing too many ideas could dim what's canon and ruin your experience for novels to come.

What else can we do for our gardens? Weed people out. Thorns that prick and hurt for their benefit. We should tend our own gardens and not allow others that power. Do your own research in the books to verify the theories/ opinions you hear. If you don't take care of your garden, who will?

We attract what we release into the world. SJM's main goal is to share the beautiful stories of female protagonists. It's an extremely bitter, sweet cliché flower garden. We are inspired to discuss SJM's novels, but your words and actions will determine what kind of attention you get. Is your garden going to be filled with sweet, positive plants that attract bees and butterflies? Or is your garden going to be filled with foul-smelling negative weeds or trash that attract pests?

Gardening takes special care and attention. It's your garden, so be careful what you allow to stay, weed out the problems, and tend to what's already truly beautiful. ❤️🥰

[rae2velaris]

All Canon Ahead.

Azriel: was said to be deprived of sunlight as a kid.

Elain: is referred to as sunlight throughout the book.

Azriel: says Elain reminds him of “the sun at dawn.”

Elain isn’t the one who needs sunlight. Elain IS the sunlight. AZRIEL is the one who needs sunlight. And he found it in ELAIN.

“Light and Dark. The space between their bodies a blend of the two.”

[rae2velaris]

Both Males.

Both males went a bit still.

Just like *both males* couldn't keep away.

Just like *both males* were ready to beg on their knees for a taste.

Just like *both males* knew it was wrong, and didn't care.

Just like *both males* fumbled their first Solstice gift.

Both males, team. Idk what to tell you.

(Thought of this scene after peeping the poll on @pagemasters page asking when we thought Az's attraction started for Elain. This was it for me, tbh. Or at least when I figured out what was cooking here.)

[rae2velaris]

Azriel's hand slid up her neck, burying in her thick hair. Tilting her face the way he wanted it. Elain's mouth parted slightly, her eyes scanning his before fluttering shut. 

Offer and Permission