#Elucien bond is real

[romanticatheartt]

No, Rhysand did NOT use his power to make Azriel call Elain a mistake, it was all Azriel's doing.

No, Gwyn is NOT a lightsinger that used her power to make Azriel re-gift that necklace to her, Azriel made that choice all by himself.

No, Mor did NOT lead Azriel for 500 years, she was clear about what she wanted and it was Az who crossed that line over and over. He wanted to be led and wait for a mating bond instead of forming any sort of friendship.

Please hold this man, that you put on such high regards, responsible for his actions. He always made his own choices all by himself without anyone's interference. This is how sjm wrote him, he's fucked up and messy.

And No, it's not out of character when you have no idea who Azriel is. So stop self-insert you fantasies into him and make this perfect character (for you) because he most definitely is NOT.

[yaralulu]

Writing an elucien fic rn and my mind is actually blanking trying to write/describe the mating bond. “Golden thread” ok you’ve said that 25 times any other ideas.

[huntquinlan]

wait hold on this had me dying laughing it was the worst take i’ve seen on here so far. not properly tagged of course so it wasn’t blocked 🙄

it went something like: people who ship elucien support arranged marriages and the “nice guy” mentality IRL and thus are violating girl code or whatever😭😭😭

[captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship]

Five Minutes to Midnight

An ACOMAF rewrite on AO3

Sneak Peak at Ch3: Sleepwalker

Catch up with the previous chapters here

Let me know if you want to be tagged!

Tag list: @beaumaismortel @s-uppertime @vulpes-fennec @the-lonelybarricade @panicatthenightcourt @coracrowart @starfall-spirit @booknerd87 @vikingmagic33 @headcanonheadcase @hlizr50 @highladysith @valeridarkness @lokisllama

[acourtofthought]

Something I really love about the Elucien setup is how we're given two characters (not just the one) who are currently considered weaker than the rest.

Feyre was a human turned fae who had to train her powers but she is mated to the most powerful HL in Prythian.

Nesta was also a defenseless human turned fae who had to master her powers yet her love interest is one of two of the most powerful Illyrians ever.

Gwyn seemed like a powerless fae who learned to be a warrior and will most likely have her own powers to explore and if she ends up with Az, he's already the second of the two most powerful Illyrians ever.

If E/riel were to happen we'd have a repeated "human turned fae who needs to learn about her powers ending up with one of the most powerful fae ever."

But Lucien is not currently the most powerful of anything. He's a strong fire wielder but a theme throughout the series this far is that he's not as powerful as the others. We know Elain was initially powerless as a human and though her Seer powers came in handy in ACOWAR, they have not really granted her any real strength / power / ability to do much outside of see things.

They are the first couple that Sarah has written who will both begin their journey with no idea as to the extent of their full powers. Sarah has set Lucien up to become a HL which means Elain will be his equal therefore we know bigger things are coming for them. Thinking back to ACOTAR we were told the HL's don't just have power, they ARE power.

There was no real point to this post, just that I love how Sarah set the stage for their story to feel very unique compared to her other couples, where both the FMC and MMC need to come into their full powers and both have been aware of their bond from the start, while still holding true to the pattern she prefers for her endgame pairings.

[mycadences]

If Elain rejects her bond with Lucien, then Azriel needs to reject his bond with his mate because otherwise Elain will always be left wondering if he will abandon her when his real mate comes. But for Azriel to break his bond with his mate, he will have to find her first. And then grapple with whether he loves her or Elain, because the number one thing that he longs for CANONICALLY is a mating bond. But before that he has to fall in love with Elain and actually think of her beyond just thoughts of pleasuring himself.

So for Elriel to happen: Azriel has to find his mate *cough Gwyn cough*, fall in love with Elain and break his bond with his mate while Elain has to confront Lucien, come to terms with what Azriel does as the NC's spymaster (*cough torture cough*) and the fact that he wants to kill Lucien in a blood duel and also break her mating bond. So, uh... Is this even an Elriel story when they're spending most of the story figuring out their feelings for their mates??

And while all this is happening they will also have to deal with the plot (Illyrian/Dusk Court/Koschei etc). Like, "they" as in the four of them (Azriel, Elain, Lucien and Azriel's mate (prob Gwyn))?? Because each couple needs to break their mating bond for Elriel to happen.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that if Elriel happens, the last book will have to follow some mysterious unknown couple that no one cares to read about (Mor x Emerie is an option but I don't think SJM will write a full-length sapphic novel yet, though I can see them getting the novella).

Yep, makes sense to me.

I'm a Gwynriel and Elucien because I love them and because it's simply less headache-inducing to ship them. I mean we have two books left, one confirmed mate couple and another potential mate couple and SJM is a fated mates writer where all her main couples are mates.

[clockwork-ashes]

Day 1 - Fated

happy elucien week and thank you to @elucienweekofficial i have been so so excited!!!! this is a short one-shot :)

Elain watched as streaks of light fell from the sky. 

Beautiful, a storm of blues and greens and whites, contrasting with the vast and endless darkness. 

Elain was completely captivated, her own wonder mixing with Lucien’s as his emotions travelled down their shared bond. She pushed away from the balcony’s rail, biting her lip nervously as she glanced his way. 

Lucien was smiling as he looked up at the sky, the falling stars reflected in his russet and golden eyes. Red hair fell in a braid down his back, looking lovely against his blue jacket. He was so handsome, and he belonged wholly to her, she thought. 

“So, what do you think?” Elain asked softly, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

Lucien turned to face her, shaking his head as he laughed. “It’s unbelievable, the solstice isn’t like this in any of the other courts,” he admitted. 

Elain trailed her fingers up past his shoulders, letting her hand rest loosely on his neck. In response, he grabbed onto her waist, pulling her close. She leaned into his touch, tilting her chin up, going onto the tips of her toes, as he bent his head towards her. 

“Lucien,” she breathed, just before their lips came together. She grabbed onto his jacket, pulling him closer, his mouth moving against hers. 

Elain could not help releasing a soft moan as Lucien slipped his tongue past her lips, as he brought a large hand to her face and cupped her cheek. He tasted like home. 

Elain woke with a start, her chest rising and falling in time with the rapid beat of her heart as she sat up, nearly knocking into the headboard. 

“Just a dream,” she mumbled in an attempt to reassure herself, running shaky fingers through her tangled curls. It had felt so real, he had felt so real, that Elain was dizzy with desire. 

She clenched her thighs together as she remembered the way Lucien had kissed her lips, a promise for more in the way he had held her tightly to his broad chest. 

And she did not even know him, the thought rushed over her like cold water. 

Elain still knew very little of being fae, she had not wanted this life, but had come to slowly accept her fate in the Night Court. She knew even less about mating bonds, what they meant and why they were so important, and while Lucien was a stranger to her, she could not shake the incessant feeling that he was familiar. 

He is yours. 

It was the quietest of whispers in the back of her mind, pushing her to claim a man she barely spoke to. 

Elain fell back onto her pillows with a frustrated groan, attempting and failing to think of literally anything but her mate. 

“Lucien Vanserra,” she whispered into the small space of her bedroom. Even the way his name fell from her lips was familiar, like she had said it before in another life, countless times. 

Elain was still thinking about Lucien as she got ready for the day, choosing a dress in a blue that had matched his jacket from her dream unthinkingly. As she passed by a mirror in the upstairs corridor of the townhouse, she scowled at her reflection, but ultimately decided she was not going to change. 

Elain considered this fated mate business absolutely ridiculous. Lucien Vanserra, stranger that he was, should hardly be capable of influencing her basic decisions. She felt as her lips turned downwards into a frown, the golden thread at her rib aching in response to her negative thoughts. She brought a hand up to absently touch the spot near her heart, finding that it was beating unusually fast. 

Elain had not realised that her shoulders had curved slightly inwards in defeat, and she quickly adjusted her posture as she continued down the stairs, ever the perfect lady. She spotted Feyre walking past the arch leading into the living room and hoped her younger sister had not accidentally wandered into her mind, knowing if she had, a million curious questions would soon follow. 

“Morning, Elain,” Feyre said with a grin, waving a tattooed hand. 

Elain would have responded had she not nearly tripped on the last step as she saw who had followed her sister into the space. 

Lucien walked elegantly, like men in a ballroom, yet it came to him naturally, hardly forced. He was wearing a loose shirt, a black brocade waistcoat capturing her attention. The dark colour suited him, Elain thought, just as a wave of horror crashed over her. 

Elain grabbed onto the railing for support as his lips tilted up into a devastating smile. He politely bowed his head in greeting, and she had to stop herself from swooning as their gazes met. 

Elain felt her cheeks heat, suddenly sure that a blush had turned her pale complexion a dark scarlet. She took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself, and almost stumbled once more. 

Lucien’s scent lingered in the air, smelling of early mornings and fresh apples. She wanted to lean into him, move impossibly close to him. Her eyes widened as they fell to the golden brown triangle of skin revealed at his neck. 

Touch him. 

Elain wanted to place her hand on his shoulders, to feel his skin beneath her palms, to run her fingers through his hair. Her dream flashed clearly in her mind’s eye and she wanted—

Feyre cleared her throat, dragging Elain back to the present. Lucien was staring at her with a confused tilt to his head, a bit expectantly, like he was waiting for her to say something.

Elain realised with embarrassment that he must have spoken to her, and as she glanced to her sister, Feyre’s expression mirroring that of her mate’s, her lips dropped open as she struggled to find her words. 

She made a choked sound, wanting to find a deep hole in the ground and simply lay in it until the world stopped spinning. “I…” she swallowed, tearing her eyes from Lucien’s. “I forgot something.” Then she whirled on her heal and skipped up the stairs two steps at a time, hoping Feyre would not follow. 

When Elain reached her bedroom, she felt the fingers of both her hands curl into fists. She had never wanted to become fae, had never really liked the idea of immortality, and had wanted to live in the human lands with a husband she had chosen. 

Elain was angry, unbelievably angry at the unfairness of it all, and who better to blame than the man currently just a staircase away, she thought. Her nails digging painfully into the skin of her palms, Elain decided she would live her life as though Lucien Vanserra was not her mate. 

* * *

Elain hummed softly to herself, the tune one she had heard at a local coffee shop hours before. Pink skirts flared around her as she sat on the cool grass, a pair of enchanted gloves on her hands as she pruned roses a startling shade of purple.

“Not too hot out here?” She heard Lucien’s question and turned towards the sound of his voice. 

Blowing a curl from where it had fallen in front of her face, Elain smiled up at him. “A little warm, I won’t be out much longer,” she reassured, squinting a bit at the brightness. 

Lucien looked like he was wearing a golden crown, she noticed, the sun’s rays giving him a regal appearance despite his casual attire. “I could get you some water,” he offered, providing her with a little more shade as he stood close by.

Elain shrugged, patting the ground next to her. “Or, you could sit for a minute, and then we can get lunch.” 

Lucien dropped to the ground rather suddenly and Elain heard herself giggle. “Whatever you want,” he said, their shoulders touching as he leaned towards her. 

He pressed his nose to the crook of her neck and Elain could not help but release a content sigh. Lucien moved her braid to the opposite shoulder, kissing the space beneath her jaw and Elain tilted her head to give him better access. 

Lucien hummed appreciatively, kissing her one last time, and Elain had to hold back a pout as he moved to lay back into the grass, all his weight resting on his elbows. She must have done a terrible job at hiding her disappointment because he raised an amused brow at her.

Elain shook her head, trying and failing miserably to focus on the roses. She made the mistake of casting one final look at Lucien, his face turned up towards the sun, eyes closed, a soft glow to his brown skin. She was struck with the sudden urge to bite him, to leave a mark and claim him as her own. 

“Change of plans,” Elain started, her attention entirely on her mate and no longer on her gardens. She sat up on her knees, inching closer to him as she spoke. “We go inside, take a bath together, and then go for lunch.” 

Lucien opened his russet eye, a lazy smile going over his features. “Whatever you want, Elain,” he said again. 

Elain wanted to kiss him, and since he had offered… 

Adjusting her skirts, Elain put a leg over his waist, sitting squarely on his lap. She shifted her hips, getting comfortable as his golden eye clicked into place, the other one dark with desire. He was unable to reach for her, still resting on his elbows, and Elain could smell his arousal mixing with the scent of the flowers. 

Elain took off her enchanted gloves, slowly, drawing out the moment before she leaned over him. “Lucien,” she said softly, her hand coming up to cup his jaw, the feeling of his scar familiar beneath her fingers. 

Elain saw as Lucien’s eyelids fluttered shut, and she moved closer, placing a featherlight kiss on the scar that cut across his lips. 

Elain woke up to the sound of a book falling against the hardwood floors. The thick cover made a loud noise and she was quick to open her eyes. Her lower back was a little sore and it took her a moment to realise that she had fallen asleep at her desk. 

Elain stretched her arms out in front of her, mind once again turning to Lucien. She scowled as she thought about the gentle way he had spoken to her, at the way he looked up at her almost reverently. 

The gloves he had gifted her for the solstice were lovely, a perfect present considering how often her regular gardening gloves ruined and she had to buy a new pair. Yet, Elain knew she was stubborn enough to never use them. 

Remembering how Feyre had given the gloves to her a few weeks ago with a knowing smile had made her blood boil. Lucien was a stranger, she wanted to yell, it was hardly proper of him to be getting her things, especially on important holidays. 

Instead, Elain had accepted the carefully wrapped box and had opened it in the privacy of her bedroom. The gloves had smelled like apples, like her mate, and Elain had thrown them into the drawer of her desk, wanting absolutely nothing to do with them. 

As Elain got up from her armchair, the wooden legs screeching in her rush, she opened the drawer with a bang. She grabbed the gloves roughly in her hands and wished she was strong enough to tear them to pieces. 

Elain walked with certain steps towards the fireplace, and she threw the gloves into the roaring flames. As the fabric was engulfed, catching alight easily, she considered perhaps that her dreams might not be simple figments of her imagination. 

After the war, Elain had not suffered from her visions, but if she was seeing snippets of the future in her sleep, she would do anything to try and avoid the dreams becoming a reality. 

The smell of the burning gift was sharp in the small space, and Elain took a deep breath, going to her desk without looking back. 

* * *

Elain was wearing a ball gown the colour of the sky at dawn. 

It was a perfect dress to celebrate the solstice in the Hewn City, going from a bright blue to a deep violet and trailing along the floor as she walked beside Lucien. Elain was glad she was not expected to dance, sure that her slippered feet would get tangled in the skirts no matter how hard she tried. 

There were pearls in her hair, her curls carefully pinned back, revealing her neck and the tops of her shoulders. It was a bit revealing for humans’ standards, but Elain was becoming increasingly more comfortable with the Night Court’s fashion. Hanging off her pointed ears were the loveliest pearl earrings, completing her look and tying it all together beautifully. 

Elain looked like a queen, and Lucien did not seem at all bothered by the admiring gazes others cast in their direction. 

“I think I prefer to celebrate the solstice in Velaris,” Lucien murmured against the arch of her ear. 

Elain nearly shivered at the feeling of his moving lips, wishing they were somewhere more private so she could grab onto the lapels of his jacket and pull him in for a kiss. “We still get to go out for Starfall,” she said in response, trying to push aside any thoughts of what she planned to do to him later in the evening. 

Lucien placed a hand onto her waist, and she leaned into his warmth, back arching into his touch. 

Elain sat up suddenly, her bed creaking as she woke up before her dream could become worse. Her heart was beating quickly, her chest rising and falling as if she had run up a flight of stairs. 

Elain looked outside her window to see that moonlight was still filtering in through the curtains, and she came to the conclusion that it must have been late in the night. Frustrated at another dream with her mate, Elain grabbed onto her pillow and pressed it to her face, releasing a short scream, the sound muffled. 

Her little outburst had made her feel a bit better, so she did it once again, hoping no one happened to walk by her room. “Just a silly dream,” Elain mumbled, throwing the blankets off her legs and putting her pillow back in its place. 

She sat on the edge of her bed, opening the drawer of her nightstand. In the darkness, she rummaged through her socks, biting her lip in concentration until her fingers dragged along a wooden box. 

Elain removed it from the drawer, her shoulders relaxing as she flipped open the lid. The pearl earrings Lucien had gifted her remained inside, pinned to a light blue pillow, looking lovely despite the lack of light in the space. 

Elain huffed in defeat as she pulled one from its place, letting it dangle in front of her eyes as she decided that she could not, in fact, destroy this gift. She wondered if they were expensive, if Lucien had bought them to impress her with his wealth or if there had been a part of him that simply knew she would have adored such lovely earrings. 

Putting them back in her drawer and covering the little box with her socks, Elain fell back onto her mattress. Staring at the ceiling, she wished one more time to anyone who might have been listening to her prayers, that she did not have a mate. 

* * *

Elain crawled under the white sheets, trying her absolute best not to wake her still sleeping mate. She had placed a freshly baked apple tart onto the nightstand after having tiptoed into the room she shared with Lucien. As soon as she selfishly tried to snuggle up against him, though, he took a deep breath. 

Elain paused, but it was too late and he shifted. “Where did you go?” He mumbled, scrunching his nose endearingly as he slowly opened his eyes. 

Elain put a hand on his chest, his skin warm to the touch. “I went to grab something to eat.” She had to stop herself from grinning, absolutely positive he would catch on to her intentions and ruin the surprise she had been planning for the last several weeks. 

Lucien hummed in response, pulling her closer as he rubbed at his eyes with his other hand. He kissed her temple before he asked, “What time is it?”

Elain shook her head, breathing a small laugh. “I didn’t even check,” she said with a smile, knowing they had slept in longer than was perhaps appropriate. 

“I had a meeting with Rhys.” He looked towards the window, where the sun was afternoon bright. 

“Oh no,” Elain said, not necessarily caring about her sister’s mate and what he might have wanted. Hearing her tone and recognizing it may have sounded rude, she cleared her throat. “At what time?”

Lucien adjusted his hold on Elain so that he hovered just above her, laughing. “I can’t remember.” 

If it had been any other morning, Elain would have wrapped her legs around his hips, would have let him take off the nightgown she had thrown on, and would have let him do as he pleased. Instead, she put her hands around his neck, kissing his cheek. “Lucien, I think you should eat something.” 

His eyes darkened, his desire clear. “I plan to,” he said, voice low, before he trailed his lips along her collar bone. 

Elain had to clench her thighs, reminding herself she needed to give Lucien the dessert she had baked. She gently pushed his shoulder, sitting up slightly as she reached for the apple tart, Lucien’s eyes widening as she held it between them. 

Lucien looked between the sweet and his mate, golden eye whirring, familiar. Elain watched as he swallowed, could feel the nervous beat of his heart. “Is that…” 

“To accept the bond,” Elain rushed to explain. “I wanted to make something special, your favourite. I spoke with your brother about the recipe, hopefully it tastes like the ones in Autumn.” She would have continued had Lucien not taken the dessert from her outstretched hands. 

Lucien was smiling, heartbreakingly handsome, as he kissed her. 

Elain’s heart was pounding as she woke up, the sound of Lucien’s own heartbeat in her ears. She could have screamed, wanting to break something within arm’s reach if only to satisfy the angry creature she became whenever he decided to visit Rhysand and Feyre. 

She quickly pulled on a simple dress, throwing her hair back messily with a ribbon, before going downstairs. Elain had hoped the little bit of distance would ease her nerves, the bond pulled taut whenever Lucien was near, but she was greatly disappointed at how useless the action had been. 

Elain pulled a large metal bowl from under the sink, grabbing flour and water before mixing them together until she was happy with the consistency. Baking calmed her, just as gardening did, but as her mind turned to the idea of fated mates over and over, she could feel her growing frustration. 

Elain punched at the dough rather violently, surprised at how much better she felt, and decided to repeat the gesture. She had never wanted a mate, was shackled to a man she barely knew, and she wanted to hate him. 

He is mine. 

“What has the flour ever done to you?” 

Elain almost dropped the bowl at the sound of the rich voice coming from the door to the kitchen. She turned around quickly, a look of horror going over her features as she spotted Lucien in his night clothes. 

“Can I help you?” Elain asked, the question coming across as combative even to her own ears. 

Lucien shrugged, “I’m just here to make my morning coffee.” When Elain did not respond, he raised a brow at her. “Is that alright?” 

Elain was taken aback at how considerate he was, given how often she ignored his presence. “Yes,” she nodded, the movement so quick she figured she must look ridiculous. “Yes, of course.” 

Once he had been given permission, Lucien went about his business and Elain turned her attention to the dough she had been kneeding. Holding her breath as he moved closer so as not to become distracted by his scent, Elain kept her eyes purposefully to the ground. 

“Could you pass me the sugar?” He asked, standing behind her but at a respectful distance. Elain was struck with the sudden realisation that if she refused, he would simply drink his coffee without any sugar.

Without speaking, she opened the cupboard just above her head, getting onto the tips of her toes to reach the jar. Elain finally looked up to meet his mismatched eyes as she handed it to him. 

“Thank you,” Lucien said softly, seemingly unable to tear his gaze from her. 

As soon as their fingers touched, Elain felt a small spark come to life inside her, sure that if she was careless, it would become a roaring fire. 

Elain pulled away, stepping back and bumping into the counter behind her rather painfully. To end the awkwardness, she blurted loudly, “Do you like apple tarts?” 

The question hung in the air between them, like so many other things left unsaid, Lucien could have chosen not to answer. Elain was happy when he raised an auburn brow at her. 

“They happen to be my favourite dessert,” he answered her honestly, russet eye searching her face, although Elain was not sure for what. 

Elain nodded, whirling around and focusing entirely on the bread she had planned to make. 

Lucien did not linger, taking his coffee and leaving as soon as she ended their conversation. Elain listened to his parting footsteps, sighing as the steady rhythm of his heartbeat calmed her nerves. 

My mate.

For the first time in years, Elain was comforted by the thought. 

[crazy-ache]

elucien (complete)

“Pardon me, lady,” Lucien cleared his throat. “While I will gladly host you here, you’ll have to understand that I’m a bit confused and concerned by your presence.” 

“You see…when I was sick, I had these dreams.”

“What kind of dreams?”

Oh god, this was most definitely her present reality. That familiar painfully, dreadfully awkward reality. The words were stuck in her mouth and she worried she may very well choke on the truth. A blush warmed her cheeks as she opened her mouth again—especially as she recognized the soft flutter of the bond in her chest, beckoning her to speak with courage

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Summary: When Elain falls sick, the feverish dreams entangle with her visions. Wickedly erotic dreams involving her mate, Lucien Vanserra, that feel almost too real...

Notes: Part 4/4. Now complete!!! Explicit, PWP. ~5k ending.

[sad-scarred-sassy]

This is a wild Elucien headcanon…

but please imagine Lucien being in a really dangerous situation with the Autumn court, like something happened and they have him as a prisoner, or unable to leave.

And Elain is there listening to how Lucien could potentially be held captive in a cold cell or even tortured.

And shes there when Eris says the only way to save him is if he has real ties to the Night Court or if he officially becomes a member, and the only way to do that is if he gets mated/married to someone from there, not anyone, but the High Lady’s sister.

And everyone is outraged with what he is suggesting but Elain is suddenly quiet.

And she suddenly says “I will do it” and everyone gapes at her, some try to talk her out of it (possibly Feyre or Nesta) but Rhys just nods.

And they send notice to the Autumn court that they cannot harm Lucien because he is a Night Court citizen, but Beron doesn’t believe it, he demands that Elain goes there so he can determine it.

Chaos, outrage, but she agrees, and she obviously doesn’t go alone. She convinces herself that while she doesn’t owe Lucien anything, she is tired of the bloodshed, the loss, and if she has the power in her hands, she will act. That is all, she couldn’t care less about him. She convinces herself she would be this worried for anyone that is close to her sister, it’s not because shes worried and scared and petrified of something bad happening to him.

They’re in the Forest House, they bring out Lucien who is luckily generally unharmed but Elain looks at the binds in his wrists and her whole body reacts to the sudden urge to protect. Beron takes one sniff at them and knows it is true. They’re mates. But Beron says an unfulfilled mating bond is not valid (listen idk about these fae laws bear with me) they need to marry. Elain declares that was the plan all along. Lucien is shocked. (I just imagine what must be going through his head seeing his mate stand before Beron in the same room where Jesminda was killed)

They let Lucien go with his mate but they have to stay in the Forest House until everything gets resolved. Elain and Lucien are shoved into a room, no more chains on him, but he doesn’t understand any of it.

Both of them are standing awkwardly in the room. Lucien is staring at her as if she has grown ears, still shocked, still reliving moments, furious at them for being so dumb as to risk themselves for him. He supposed he really was a big asset for Rhys to have done this. But her… why was she here? Why did she put herself in this position?

“Did they make you do this?” He says through his teeth.

She muses on what to say. “No” she gets offended with the assumption that she can’t make decisions for herself. “I agreed to this and came on my own free will”

“Why would you do such a thing?”

“Because I’m tired of people dying, I wouldn’t forgive myself if I could have done something” A silence and for some forsaken reason Elain has the need to add. “This doesn’t mean what you think it means”

Something irks at Lucien then, and the awoken nerves on his body make him respond to that. “And please tell, Lady, what do I think it means?”

Elain clenches her fists. “That I’ve changed my mind about you… about this” She signals between them. “This is just temporary, out of necessity”

Lucien just stares at her.

“I never entertained that you did, I can assure you.” It is easier to turn on her, on this beautiful female that is putting herself at risk for him, than to be hurt at the continuing rejection from her. “You’ve always just assumed that I’m some brute fae that wants to steal you away, let me tell you now that we’re speaking frankly, that its not the case. I can’t control the pull from the bond, but I have no interest in pursuing a female who doesn’t want me”

That sends Elain to retaliate. “What about the gifts then, was that not pursuing?” She cocks her head arrogantly.

“I was bringing them to Feyre as well. That was me being polite, but guess you don’t know the first thing about that”

“You are one to talk about politeness when I’m here risking my life for your neck and this is how you treat me” She takes one step closer.

“I never asked you to do it” He mirrors her and steps closer with his broad hands clenched in fists.

“I will just let you die next time then”

“Fine by me, as long as I don’t have to endure you shoving it on my face”

“Asshole”

“I’ve been called worse” A sly, angry smile creeps at one corner of his mouth. She suddenly realizes they’re breathing on each other’s face.

“And all this time I thought you were a gentleman” She summons her anger to keep focused.

“You will learn I can be a gentleman, Elain” Her name on his lips, for the first time. “But I can be so much worse too”

His breath is hot on her face, their hearts already beating fast.

“You admit you were pretending then, to win me over”

A sharp breathy laugh from him. “If I wanted to win you over, I would not have tried to be gentle”

Her lips form a thin line as she holds herself, the pull, his words, the sudden effect of his mismatched gaze intense on her face.

“You shouldn’t have done this” He says quietly, roughly, his eyes showing something beyond just annoyance, she sees the fear in them. She pushes it back.

“What’s done is done” She says. “We will pretend, see this through, and then we’re done”

“Alright, dove”

She’s startled. Her nostrils flare. She ignores the outrageous pet name he just used on her. “I’m going to take a bath, I suggest you do the same, you stink” She begins to walk away and stops herself “I mean after I’m done” She frowns as she strolls away.

He watches her with sudden amusement.

He’s scared, hes pissed and hurt. He’s tired. But something inside him sparks, and he can’t really put a name to it.

Oh he’s not alright.

[yennas-stuff]

E/riels say that we deny that Elain feels any attraction towards Azriel and that they are just supporting her in what she wants. That Eluciens don't listen to what she wants.

First of all, all Eluciens notice these interactions between Azriel and Elain. Nobody is denying she likes and probably feels attracted to him as of now. What we are noticing as of now, though, doesn't have to have any baring on the endgame pairing. We are just questioning the sustainability and depth of these feelings when faced with a mating bond and, basically, an immortal life.

To put it in the simplest terms: Does the crush you had in college have any impact on your future relationship with your spouse? Nobody will deny that the previous feelings or attractions were real. But it doesn't change the endgame. Nothing is set in stone (except for the mating bond that stays with you forever).

If you add the inevitable nature of a mating bond and the fact that you can live for hundreds of years... Feels silly to think Elain and Lucien wouldn't even try to explore it.

And about what Elain wants... We don't know it. Her actions only signify some surface level attraction and playfulness. It also really disappoints me when people only see Elain giving Azriel gag gifts as her showing romantic interest in him. It was supposed to show us her true character and her being capable of being fun and playful. But E/riels take it away from her and make this small indication of her personality into something about a man.

When it comes to the whole consent to shipping that a fictional character is supposed to give... It's ridiculous to even discuss it. No Elucien wants Elain to be forced into a relationship. But we do understand her hesitancy. Mating bond is like this ultimate YOU NEED TO TRY THIS. IT'S GOOD FOR YOU sign from the universe that has a very big significance and is sacred to the world she just found herself in. I do notice that she's rebelling against it. And I dont hold it against her. But I believe they will find the way to each other and fall in love despite the mating bond.

My final point to the whole "having a problem with shipping people who are not into each other as of now..." It's an unfinished love story. It's like reading the first half of Pride and Prejudice and saying Elizabeth should be with Mr Wickham because she was into him and she hates Mr. Darcy. The whole enemies to lovers trope is based on getting over prejudices, getting to know each other, and falling in love. It's something that has already happened to the main acotar couples... twice. And Elain and Lucien are not even enemies. They are just strangers tied to each other by forces stronger than them.

[lainalit]

I know many think that eluciens book will start with them traveling to the continent, but imagine if the book starts with Elain getting more and more visions and one day she is permanently stuck in one and goes into a comatose state, where even Rhys can't get her out of it.

So Lucien because of the bond, realizes that something is wrong with Elain and then he finds her in this state and gets her out because of the bond.

When she wakes up, she touches his cheek and says, "Lucien, are you real?" And he takes her hand softly in his, gives it a quick kiss, places it over his heart, and goes, "I'm as real as my beating heart for you, my lady."

[allwaswellllll]

Nine (WIP)

So I'm a bit petrified posting this - I haven't written fan fiction in well over a decade. But it's like riding a bike, right?

I'm working on this for Elucien week - here's a little sneak peek.

-

The first time it happened was by accident.

His scent filled the air all at once, causing Elain’s brain to short circuit, the intrinsically visceral voice inside her whispering ‘mine, mine, mine’. It was all consuming, her breath catching in her throat as she rounded the corner of the townhouse hallway from the kitchen and nearly collided with him.

Her mate.

She couldn’t stop the small gasp that left her lips, her fingers immediately pressing against that point in her ribs, the one that pulled ever so slightly, reminding her that she was tethered. To him. To this place, and this life and everything she lost.

She had to close her eyes to steady her breathing, blocking out the chanting in her head.

His sharp inhalation let her know that he too was feeling the pull, wasn’t expecting to run into her. It was then she noticed that his fingers had grazed her arms at the impact, steadying her. She opened her eyes finally, meeting his.

He let go as if he had been burnt.

‘I – ‘ he paused, his one russet eye watching her, wide with something Elain couldn’t quite place. He seemed to shake it off and took a step back. Close. They were too close. ‘I’m meeting Feyre.’

She nodded, taking a step closer to the wall to put more space between them, going against every instinct that roared at her to launch at him, touch him, taste him. She swallowed thickly, looking away and let out a shuddering breath. She couldn’t speak. If she did, she wasn’t sure the leash she had on herself would hold, this entire grasp she had on herself, stopping her from doing something so uncharacteristic it scared her. These feelings, this male – it was all so inherently unnatural and terrifying.

‘I-I’m sorry.’

His words sounded so quiet, so small, she finally looked up at him. He was breathtaking. It caused her heart to ache painfully, at the life she had lost, at the beauty surrounding her that she couldn’t take in. This man – this male –took the breath from her lungs, and she resented him for it. Was it truly her own desire, her own thoughts and needs and wants, or was it this gold thread tying them together, forcing these feelings down the bond?

‘What are you sorry for?’ When she finally spoke the words, her voice didn’t sound like her own. She looked up at him, scanning his face and seeing utter devastation across his features.

She didn’t move as he took a step towards her, not quite close enough to touch. But enough. The thread pulled and her eyes fluttered shut for a moment.

‘I feel it too.’

The words physically hurt. He said them quietly, breathless, the bond glowing. This wasn’t real. Any of it. This was a cruel joke, intending to make her suffer. Nothing they felt was real, just a constant reminder of this thread, shackling them for life. A life longer than Elain could even imagine, and she was exhausted by it.

‘I have to go,’ she whispered, forcing her body into motion, dragging it limb by limb away from the male it craved the most. Distance. She needed distance. It was the only thing that could keep her from crumbling.

Her back was to him, her hand on the railing as she moved to walk up the stairs when he spoke again.

‘I didn’t ask for this either.’

She turned back around on the second step, but he had vanished. His scent washed over her in waves in his wake, the bond in her chest a dull ache.

-

[hereathemoment]

It would have created a much more relatable and natural tension between the characters and in Nessian’s and elucien’s bond relationships if Nesta’s powers were recognized as Autumn Court and elain’s were Spring after emerging from the cauldron. This way the strife between sisters would still exist. Lucien already left Autumn for Spring so his and Elain’s romance could bloom naturally. Whereas, Cassian would never be willing to leave his home for Nesta, but Nesta needs to be in the autumn court for her own comfort and to learn her power. Right person, wrong location is something that happens in real life. There would be no need for character assassinations and the main plot themes could still exist. This would even create consistency with the first book and what Feyre painted on the dresser drawers for each sister.

Lucien and Nesta being in the IC is forced for no reason. This too is about control. The narrative is so unlikable because Feyre should not get their cake and eat it too. There needs to be a balance and a give and take here. And I honestly feel like the editors are on leave.

[what-about-elvenis]

This may be controversial.

Though I feel the inner circle has caused more rifts between the sisters than anything else.

The Valkyries helped Nesta rebond with her sisters.

The inner circle has only cause division. Cassian and Rhys both gave Nesta hate for not helping Feyre.

Which I feel they still do.

I actually think if Nesta dumped Cassian. Decided to help Eris overthrow his Beron. She would be happy. Helping the women in autumn court.

Even though Feyre is supposed to be night court. I think she's actually a better fit with Tarquin. He would tell her about a pregnancy risk. They would have more of an even bond.

Tarquin supports females. Like his cousin Cressida.

So what if Nesta's and Feyre's mating bonds are fake. The only ones.

Elucien's is the real one.

Nesta was meant for Eris.

Feyre fir Tarquin.

[coeurdelain]

Do gwynriels know how illogical they sound when they say that Az and Gwyn are mates and then, say the next book is about them ?

It’s simply impossible because if you think that the bonus chapter shows that Gwyn and Az are mates, their book CAN’T be the next one.

And this is why :

This interview is from a court of frost and starlight special edition.

In this interview SJM said she knows who the next book is about after Nesta and Cassian but for the last novel and the last novella, she’s keeping the door open. So, at this time, she only knew what she wanted to write after Nesta and Cassian.

So, if it was Gwynriel and Elucien who were endgame because they are mates, SJM wouldn’t have said that she leaves the door open for other ideas, because the last novel would be about Lucien and Elain, so she would have known who the last book is about. Especially knowing that Elain is the only one with a book confirmation since 2015. So, of course, if Elain was the last novel with Lucien, SHE WOULD HAVE KNOW.

It’s not even a question about ships, but it’s about Elain’s book being the next one. If you think that Gwynriel are mates, you CAN’T say the next book is about Gwyn and Az. It’s also why I think Gwyn and Azriel are not mates. Because in a interview for acosf, she said that when she was writing ACOWAR, she told to her editor her plans for Nesta, Cassian, Elain, Mor and Azriel. And that’s the reason why we have three more books.

So, she already knew who was Azriel’s LI. She had plans for him. And Gwyn didn’t even exist yet. And that’s why it’s clear to say that Gwyn was only brought to be Nesta’s friend. SJM had finished writing ACOFAS but she still didn't know about Gwyn. She didn’t have Gwyn in her mind when she wrote ACOFAS. There was no book planned for Gwyn, there was no LI for Gwyn and no mating bond for Gwyn. If in her plans, Gwyn and Azriel was supposed to be mates, she couldn't have said that she leaves the door open to other ideas, she would have no choice but to write about them.

Because, once again, if it was Gwynriel (ACOTAR5) and Elucien (ACOTAR6), SHE WOULD HAVE KNOW who the last book is about. But no, at this point, she had no idea who the last novel will be about. The only thing she knows for sure while she was writing ACOFAS is Elain will have a book like a sister.

In conclusion, it makes no sense at all if you think that Gwyn and Azriel are mates and then, say that the next book is about them. You can’t have both. If you think they are mates, then it will be the last novel and not the next one.

Like ship whoever you want but denying the fact that the next book is about Elain is crazy.

Even if I actually know why some people still don’t want to accept that Elain’s book is next. It means that Azriel is Elain’s love interest. So they are the real endgame. Because SJM said that she was excited to write about Azriel’s journey but never said anything about Lucien’s journey.

You can make your own interpretation of the books if you want, but you can't deny what SJM herself says.

And a friendly reminder that SJM didn’t change her plans. She confirmed it during the ACOSF’s tour.

I made this post because sometimes I see people with a lot of confidence say « Gwyn and Az’s book is next and they are mates ». And I’m just shocked because why are you so confident when everything shows that it's not possible ?

(I did a lot of repetition and mistakes in this post so I feel the need to precise that english is not my first language)

[acourtofthought]

Some on the other side seem to have misunderstood my post from yesterday.

If Elain wants to reject the bond then it's fine. Rejecting her bond doesn't make her weak, it's her right to do so and a reader can support that decision, can even applaud it.

However Elain hasn't rejected her bond. She hasn't had a book which means you don't know who her endgame person is. Because of that she's has not defied fate yet some are acting like she already has. Lucien is still her mate, she's his and there is not a single character in the ACOTAR that believes them to have a rejected bond.

Some are applauding Elain during Elain Week, a week to to celebrate her character, for something she hasn't even done. For a Fated Mates author, chances are strong she never will. I'll say it again, if some still think Elucien can't be endgame despite their current setup, I'd like to point you in the direction of 99.9999% of other Fated Mates stories.

Elain is currently hiding from her bond, from Lucien. That is not Strength or Bravery, it's Elain being afraid. Afraid of how it makes her feel, afraid of how fate decided something for her, afraid of something else, take your pick. She's currently avoiding having a real conversation with Lucien which yes, she owes him. Throw your real world opinions of "women don't owe men an explanation!" out the window because this isn't your real life. This isn't nice guy Tommy from down the street who isn't taking the hint of your disinterest.

This is a novel and Elain and Lucien were given a connection that you will never see in your lifetime, a magical link to the other ones soul.

She does owe him an explanation and a decision on what she wants or doesn't want from him. Don't like it? Take it up with the author who wrote the rules of her fantasy world. Her ignoring Lucien is not enough for a character with a magical connection to her to "take the hint and move on".

Sarah is the one who wrote Elain hiding from her bond and the others acknowledging it as the elephant in the room. She is the one who wrote Elain as refusing to say to Lucien "I don't want you and I want him instead".

That would be Elain showing bravery. Vocalizing to her Mate what she wants, not her sister while she was still mourning her fiance and after Feyre made a comment about entitlement. Of course she doesn't owe Lucien her time, he doesn't feel she does. Yet she continues quietly taking his gifts (a little odd right? Accepting gifts from a mate you don't want anything to do with?) stashing them god knows where and allowing him to suffer rather than having a conversation with him about no longer holding out hope for her, for them.

Elain is good and kind, she is loving. Yet some honestly believe she's just heartlessly and needlessly allowing Lucien to keep coming around for no reason at all since they believe it's a done deal. She doesn't want him, will never want him, yet she somehow can't use her voice to say that. She had no issues speaking up to Nesta in SF, Sarah had no issues with writing a bonus showing Elain returning Az's gift yet Elain must have her own book and pov to reject her mate which she's apparently wanted to do for years now but just did not. Because it's somehow more girl boss that way?

Because she felt it was necessary to leave him with a glimmer of hope for two years by not rejecting him before that despite always knowing it's what she wanted?

The e/riel version of Elain being badass is not my Elain and not the Elain that Sarah has written.

Elain insisting they help Feyre help others was girl boss.

Elain standing up to Nesta in SF was girl boss.

Elain returning Az's necklace after he chose to call her a mistake was girl boss.

Elain refusing to look Lucien in the eye or have a conversation with him when she's supposed to be so confident that she doesn't want him makes her a bit of a coward right now.