#PRO NESTA

[merwgue]

"Rhysand hasn't done anything wrong"

Here’s a breakdown of the actual legal crimes Rhysand could be charged with, based on real-world laws:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book 1)

1. Sexual Assault – Rhysand forces Feyre into non-consensual situations, including touching her and kissing her while under the influence of drugs.

2. Drugging/Administration of a Controlled Substance – He forces Feyre to drink faerie wine (a mind-altering substance), which removes her ability to consent and control her actions.

3. Kidnapping/False Imprisonment – Under the Mountain, Rhysand traps Feyre into a bargain that forces her to spend time with him, effectively limiting her freedom.

A Court of Mist and Fury (Book 2)

1. Sexual Harassment – Rhysand frequently engages in unwanted physical contact with Feyre, coercing her in various ways under the pretext of their bargain.

2. Psychological Abuse/Coercion – The manipulation and psychological control Rhysand exerts over Feyre could be classified as emotional abuse, which can carry legal ramifications depending on the jurisdiction.

A Court of Wings and Ruin (Book 3)

1. Trespassing – Rhysand repeatedly enters Tamlin’s lands without permission, which would be considered trespassing by legal standards.

2. Incitement to Violence/Sabotage – Rhysand knowingly encourages Feyre to sabotage the Spring Court while she’s undercover, which could lead to charges of inciting criminal behavior.

3. Attempted Murder (by Suggestion) – While not directly responsible, suggesting that someone (Tamlin) should kill themselves could be viewed as reckless endangerment or incitement to self-harm, which is illegal in many places.

A Court of Frost and Starlight (Novella)

1. Harassment – Rhysand's continued psychological harassment of Tamlin could potentially be charged as harassment, particularly given its persistent nature.

General Crimes Throughout the Series you can face up to a life sentence with :

1. Assault – Rhysand has a history of using his powers to physically and mentally harm others, especially when he forces Feyre into certain situations or physically manipulates her.

2. Torture – His treatment of the people in the Court of Nightmares, particularly through physical and psychological intimidation, could be considered torture or cruel and inhumane treatment under international human rights law.

3. Abuse of Power/Authority – Rhysand frequently abuses his position as High Lord, using his powers to manipulate, control, and coerce others, which could be considered an abuse of authority. (Hm hm, remember what happend to saddam Hussain?)

4. Kidnapping/False Imprisonment – By forcibly keeping Nesta in the House of Wind without her consent, Rhysand is restricting her freedom and movement. This can be legally classified as kidnapping or false imprisonment.

5. Endangerment of a Mentally Ill Person – Nesta is clearly dealing with severe trauma, depression, and possibly PTSD. Locking her up without proper care or therapy can be considered neglect and endangerment of someone with a mental illness, especially since she was using alcohol to cope. (Those teen-help programs.)

6. Illegal Detainment Without Licensing – The Night Court is not a rehabilitation facility, and Rhysand has no legal authority or medical qualifications to keep Nesta there against her will. This would violate laws that protect individuals with mental health issues from being detained in non-medical facilities by non-professionals.

4. Emotional and Psychological Abuse – Forcing Nesta into isolation and removing her autonomy could be seen as a form of emotional and psychological abuse, which has legal ramifications in many jurisdictions.

In a real-world legal system, these actions could be prosecuted as criminal offenses, including sexual assault, kidnapping, drugging, trespassing, harassment, and psychological abuse.

So yea, you're dear old boy would be in JAIL by now.

Now let's calculate The charges against Rhysand, if brought to a real-world court system, could lead to significant legal consequences. Let’s break down the potential sentences for each crime, based on common legal standards in many countries:

1. Sexual Assault

Possible Sentence: 5 to 20 years in prison, depending on the severity and jurisdiction.

Sexual assault is a serious crime, and the penalties are harsh, especially if the victim is incapacitated (e.g., under the influence of drugs, as Feyre was).

2. Drugging/Administration of a Controlled Substance

Possible Sentence: 2 to 10 years in prison.

Administering drugs to someone without their knowledge or consent is considered a felony in many places and carries a substantial sentence, especially when done to facilitate control or assault.

3. Kidnapping/False Imprisonment (Feyre and Nesta)

Possible Sentence: 10 to 30 years in prison.

Kidnapping, especially when it involves controlling someone’s freedom against their will (like forcing Feyre and Nesta into his control), carries one of the longest prison terms.

4. Endangerment of a Mentally Ill Person (Nesta)

Possible Sentence: 5 to 15 years in prison.

This charge involves negligence and the failure to provide proper care for someone in a vulnerable state. In this case, Rhysand locking Nesta up without professional help can result in significant legal consequences.

5. Harassment/Emotional and Psychological Abuse (Tamlin and Nesta)

Possible Sentence: 1 to 5 years in prison (for each offense).

Emotional abuse and psychological harassment can carry prison sentences if they lead to significant harm, especially if Rhysand’s actions contributed to worsening their mental states.

6. Trespassing (Spring Court)

Possible Sentence: 1 year or fines.

Trespassing, while a less severe crime, can result in fines or a brief prison sentence, depending on how frequently and aggressively it’s done.

7. Torture/Abuse of Power (Hewn City)

Possible Sentence: 10 to 25 years in prison.

Torturing or inflicting severe harm, even in a ruling capacity, could result in lengthy imprisonment under human rights laws.

8. Failure to Prevent Mutilation (Wing Clipping in Illyria):

Crime: Complicity in Mutilation/Assault – In many countries, allowing or failing to prevent acts of bodily harm, especially when in a position of power, can lead to charges of complicity or negligence. Clipping wings is comparable to physical mutilation.

Potential Sentence: 10 to 20 years per incident, depending on the severity of harm. Rhysand, as High Lord, could be held accountable for allowing this to continue in the military camps he oversees.

9. Endangerment of Women’s Rights:

Crime: Neglect and Discrimination – The continued allowance of these practices in Illyria could be viewed as a form of systemic discrimination and neglect. Failure to protect women from harm, despite having the power to intervene, would likely result in charges related to discrimination and endangerment.

Potential Sentence: Civil penalties and lawsuits from the affected women, alongside possible criminal charges leading to fines and 5 to 10 years imprisonment per case of systemic abuse.

10. Complicity in Abuse and Torture (Hewn City):

Crime: Torture/Degrading Treatment – As the ruler of the Night Court, Rhysand maintains direct control over the Hewn City but allows its brutal social system to continue, particularly against women. Even though he doesn't directly participate in the abuse, turning a blind eye to it could result in complicity in human rights abuses or crimes akin to torture, especially since Hewn City is described as being "hell for women."

Potential Sentence: 10 to 25 years in prison for each case of torture or degrading treatment, with possible civil lawsuits and heavy fines.

11. Denial of Safe Haven and Equal Rights:

Crime: Violation of Human Rights – Women from Hewn City are barred from escaping their abusive environments, and Rhysand’s refusal to allow them into Velaris essentially traps them in dangerous situations. In the real world, denying refuge or asylum to those in danger can be classified as a violation of human rights.

Potential Sentence: 5 to 10 years for human rights violations, with additional civil penalties from lawsuits if women can prove they were harmed as a result of being denied safety.

Crimes Against Humanity – While not on the same scale as mass genocide or war crimes, the endangerment of entire groups of women through neglect, allowing mutilation, or complicity in torture can still fall under human rights violations. Such crimes are serious, and while they may not lead to a death sentence, they would likely result in long-term imprisonment, potential international condemnation, and severe civil penalties.

Maximum Sentence: If these charges were to be tried separately and consecutively, Rhysand could face up to 80 to 100+ years in prison

Likely Sentence: In a real-world legal system, some of these sentences may be served concurrently (at the same time), leading to a likely total sentence of 25 to 40 years in prison, depending on how the crimes are classified and judged.

Additionally, he would likely face civil penalties, lawsuits from the victims (e.g., Feyre and Nesta), and substantial fines.

Thank you for reading, if you want me to do any other character just say in the comments!❤️ (this took me over 2 days to research but I had my amazing dad helping me!♥️)

[silverflameataraxia]

Something about Rhysand is that he knows Nesta is Cassian's heart. He knows she's Cassian's mate and that he loves her and cares about her. But that doesn't stop Rhysand from constantly threatening her. Either Rhysand hates Nesta so much that he doesn't care that hurting her also hurts Cassian or he knows that Cassian is so far wrapped around his finger that he can treat Nesta however he wishes and Cassian won't do anything to defend or protect her. Either way, Cassian's lack of protecting Nesta from Rhysand just emboldens Rhysand to continously treat her worse and worse.

[azrielsshadows42]

Nesta: *Panting after climbing the stairs* Cassian: *Watching her from the stairwell entrance* Cassian: Damn, you're huffing and puffing so much even the little piggy with a brick house doesn't stand a chance

[elainsgirl]

Anti-Nesta stans pre-acosf:

“I wished Sjm killed Nesta and Elain off instead of including them with Feyre’s family. Feyre deserves to have something to herself and not have to share it with her horrible sisters who did nothing but abuse her. I wish they end up leaving Feyre alone”

Anti Nesta stans, post-acosf, once Nesta was distanced from the IC/Feyre, finding her own found family:

“How dare Nesta be so kind & befriend Emerie and Gwyn! How could she leave Feyre alone & call to random girls her sisters after everything Feyre did for her! She was so ungrateful”

Nesta doesn’t win in any situation. If she had stayed close to the IC & became friendlier with Feyre’s friends’ - certain stans would have an issue with how unfair it is to feyre, how Nesta was taking Feyre’s place. Etc. Etc.

Now, when she’s made a life outside of Feyre, outside of the IC - distanced herself

- there’s still some issues and criticisms?

She can’t win.

[litnerdwrites]

What are your thoughts on the weird Cassian and Mor relationship?

There's the obvious of, it's toxic as fuck. There's also the hypocrisy of it, since Mor's issue with Nesta seems to be that her behaviour hurts Feyre, even though Nesta's actions stem from a desire to self harm, while she has admitted that she does it to hurt Azriel. Whether Azriel acknowledges/accepts the rejection, or continues to pursue her despite it, remains to be seen, given that we don't really have his pov, aside from that one bonus chapter.

Mor also uses him protection, only when it suits her. She happily turned to him for help when Rhysand went behind her back to make a deal with Eris, not telling her that he'd be at the meeting. However, when Az tried to protect her from him during the HL meeting, she slept with Hellion to hurt him.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a huge fan of Azriel, though that mostly has to do with his treatment of Nesta. However, Mor, who is supposed to be his family, and happily uses him for her protection and comfort when she sees fit, only to use his own brother to snub him regularly, even after that brother finds someone he wants to pursue himself.

She then goes to that person and acts like they're the devil incarnate for having the audacity to breath, despite her so called best friend (Feyre) telling them all to stay out of it.

As for Cassian, I don't personally think he minds the arrangement. His biggest insecurity is his status as a bastard born orphan. Yet, now, he has the sole attention of Mor, a beautiful women of high social status who's related to the highest level of authority in the NC. Not only that, but it was her line that once ruled, before it transferred to Rhysand's bloodline. Mor constantly chooses him over his brother. I believe it's in his bonus chapter, Wings and Ember, that he admits that his jealousy of Azriel, and whatever bond he and Mor seemed to form at the time, was a factor in why he chose to sleep with her.

It's mutually toxic, but only benefits Mor and Cassian. Azriel doesn't have much of a say in it, yet he's the one hurt by it. Until one of them (Mor or Cass) wake up and knock some sense into the other, it won't end.

[lib-arts]

The Archeron sisters

art by me

Day

Night

Dusk

[yennas-stuff]

Nesta is actually so brave for reading smut in a place where everyone can smell your horniness.

Go off and get off, queen. Let them know. 💅

[oristian]

“I’m here, Nes.”

@nessianweek Day Two — Yearning

Nesta once distanced herself from Cassian as a means of punishment, seeing herself as something tainted and Cassian as something wholly good. I think back to that vulnerability, and other scenes, where Nesta fully opened herself up to Cassian and how he became a comfort for her. Two individuals would wanted to be together, who wanted the other, to the extent where they couldn’t stay away.

“There will be no one else. For either of us,” he promised. “Yes,” she whispered. “Ever,” he promised.

Nesta laid a hand on his muscled chest, letting the thunderous beating of the heart beneath echo into her palm. Let it travel down her arm, into her own chest, her own heart. “Ever,” she swore. — ACOSF, Chapter 58

ART CREDIT @/tasbaqaart

COMMISSIONED BY @oristian

PLEASE DO NOT REPOST

FOUND ALSO ON INSTAGRAM (HERE)

[azrielsbxtch]

Nesta Queen of sarcasm😂

[bloomingdarkgarden]

N E S T A A R C H E R O N | Lady Death

What did you wake that day in Hybern?

[merwgue]

The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) fandom is one of the most divided literary communities today. It’s not just a matter of which characters people ship, but rather a deep schism over how people interpret the characters, themes, and real-life issues embedded in the story. The arguments go far beyond typical fandom disagreements and have morphed into full-fledged debates about morality, trauma, and the human condition. At the heart of these conflicts is the tendency for fans to project their own experiences and values onto the characters, creating new "canon" versions of the story to fit their narrative. What makes this even more significant is that ACOTAR isn’t just fantasy fiction—it touches on real issues like domestic abuse, sexual coercion, trauma, and mental health. These are not fictional concepts; they are lived experiences for many people. By brushing these topics aside or simplifying them, the fandom risks doing a disservice to the people who see their own pain mirrored in the pages of these books.

"It’s Just Fiction" — A Dismissive Take on Real Issues

When people say "it’s just fiction," they’re missing the point. Fiction, especially in fantasy, is often used as a mirror to reflect real-world problems. In ACOTAR, we see characters grappling with trauma, mental illness, abuse, and recovery—things that real people face every day. It’s not simply a story of faeries and magic; it’s a story of survival and the human struggle to overcome deep-seated pain.

Take Rhysand’s actions, for instance. Under the Mountain, he subjects Feyre to what can only be described as sexual coercion, making her dress in revealing clothing and sit on his lap while drugged, all under the guise of "protecting" her. In the real world, this would be considered sexual harassment or even assault. The argument that he was forced into these actions to protect her doesn’t erase the trauma it inflicted on Feyre. Fans who brush this off as a romantic plot device are ignoring the very real dynamics of power, consent, and coercion that exist in abusive relationships.

Similarly, Gwyn’s backstory, though not heavily detailed, strongly implies that she was gang-raped by Hybern’s forces during the war. The fact that this is left as an undertone in the series, not explicitly addressed, doesn’t make it any less important. Sexual violence, like what Gwyn endured, is a topic that has far-reaching emotional and psychological consequences for survivors. Yet, in some corners of the fandom, these moments are glossed over in favor of debating which romantic pairing is better.

Tamlin: Abuser or Victim of Circumstance?

Tamlin is one of the most hotly contested characters in the series, and it’s easy to see why. His actions in A Court of Mist and Fury—where he physically confines Feyre, restricts her movements, and isolates her from the outside world—are textbook examples of domestic abuse. There’s no argument that what he did was wrong. But there’s also context that complicates his character and, in some ways, makes him more sympathetic than he’s often given credit for.

Tamlin was traumatized by the events Under the Mountain, forced to watch helplessly as his people suffered for fifty years. He was powerless, and that sense of impotence likely contributed to his need for control once Feyre returned to the Spring Court. He was terrified of losing her, and that fear manifested in controlling behavior. Does that excuse what he did? Absolutely not. But it provides a context that many readers seem to ignore. Tamlin was also suffering, and he lacked the emotional tools to cope with his trauma in a healthy way.

Feyre, too, was suffering, but neither of them communicated effectively, and their relationship deteriorated as a result. Both were deeply broken, but instead of healing together, their trauma pulled them apart. Some fans take this complexity and reduce Tamlin to a one-dimensional abuser, ignoring the fact that many abusers come from places of deep pain themselves. Others take it too far in the opposite direction, defending every action he took. The truth lies somewhere in between: Tamlin was an abuser, but he was also a victim of his own unresolved trauma.

Rhysand: Savior or Manipulator?

Rhysand, on the other hand, is often seen as Feyre’s savior, the one who rescues her from Tamlin’s abuse and shows her how to be strong. But the fandom’s lionization of Rhysand ignores many of his own toxic behaviors, particularly his emotional manipulation of Feyre.

While Tamlin physically trapped her, Rhysand’s control was far more insidious. He isolated Feyre mentally, ensuring that the only people she trusted were members of his Inner Circle—people whose loyalty ultimately lies with him. Over time, Feyre’s connections to anyone outside of Rhysand’s immediate orbit are severed. Lucien, who had been a close friend, is gradually pushed away, and Feyre is left with no one to question her relationship with Rhysand.

This emotional isolation is a form of manipulation that can be just as damaging as physical confinement. Rhysand controlled the narrative around Feyre, making sure that she only saw the world through his lens. This is most evident in A Court of Silver Flames, when he instructs his Inner Circle not to tell Feyre about the dangers of her pregnancy. He withholds vital information about her own body, taking away her agency and reducing her to a bystander in her own life. The fact that Mor, Cassian, Amren, and Azriel all follow his orders without question only reinforces the power imbalance in their relationship.

Many fans excuse Rhysand’s actions because he’s portrayed as the "good guy" in contrast to Tamlin. But when you strip away the romantic lens, Rhysand’s behavior is just as controlling and manipulative, albeit in a different way. The fact that Feyre wasn’t physically confined doesn’t make his actions any less problematic.

The Creation of a New "Canon"

Given the complexity of these characters and the morally gray areas they inhabit, it’s no wonder that parts of the fandom have taken to creating their own "canon" versions of the story. Fans rework characters’ motivations, rewrite key events, and even create alternate universes to fit their preferred narrative. In some ways, this is a normal part of any fandom; people create headcanons and fan fiction to explore different possibilities within the world. But in the ACOTAR fandom, this rewriting often feels like a necessity rather than a choice.

Pro-Rhysand fans, for instance, downplay or outright ignore his more problematic actions, painting him as the perfect mate for Feyre. On the flip side, anti-Tamlin fans erase any nuance in his character, labeling him irredeemable and unworthy of any sympathy. It’s as if the original narrative can no longer be accepted as it is because it doesn’t fit into a simple good vs. evil framework.

This rewriting of canon can be harmful because it erases the complexities that make these characters human. Tamlin is not just a villain, and Rhysand is not just a hero. Both characters have committed acts of abuse, but they also have their own traumas and struggles that inform their actions. Ignoring these complexities simplifies the narrative in a way that doesn’t do justice to the story’s deeper themes.

The Seriousness of ACOTAR’s Themes

The divisions within the ACOTAR fandom aren’t just about ships or character preferences; they’re about how seriously the themes of the series should be taken. Domestic abuse, sexual coercion, trauma—these are not just plot points to be dismissed as fiction. They are real, painful experiences that people face every day.

Feyre’s experiences with both Tamlin and Rhysand reflect different forms of abuse, and neither should be diminished. Tamlin’s physical control was overt and obvious, while Rhysand’s emotional manipulation was more subtle but no less damaging. Both forms of abuse are real, and both deserve to be addressed with the gravity they warrant.

Similarly, Gwyn’s implied assault is a reflection of the horrors that many survivors of sexual violence face. Her story is not just a subplot; it’s a reflection of the very real trauma that many women endure. Dismissing these moments as mere fiction invalidates the experiences of readers who may have lived through similar pain.

Conclusion

The ACOTAR fandom is divided because the series itself is complex, filled with morally gray characters and real-world issues that demand serious consideration. By rewriting canon to fit personal narratives, parts of the fandom are erasing the very complexities that make the story impactful. Domestic abuse, sexual coercion, trauma—these are not topics that should be brushed aside or simplified. They are reflections of real pain, and they deserve to be treated with respect and understanding. Both Tamlin and Rhysand are flawed characters, and both engage in abusive behaviors, though in different ways. Acknowledging these complexities is essential to understanding the series as a whole, and it’s something the fandom, as divided as it is, must come to terms with.

[silverflameataraxia]

"Az doesn't give a damn about Gwyn being in the Blood Rite"

So, Elriels want me to believe that Az is a heartless monster, who spent every day for months training Gwyn, Nesta, and Emerie, but yet he doesn't give a damn if they're gang raped or killed in the Blood Rite? That's the kind of male Elriels want to stan? That's the kind of male they want with Elain?

Canon proves this wrong anyway. Canon proves how much Az and Cass care about the Valkyries.

"There are plenty of other unspeakable things that could be happening to her," Cassian said, voice thickening. "To Emerie and Gwyn."

The shadows deepened around Azriel, his Siphons gleaming like cobalt fire. "You - we - trained them well, Cassian. Trust in that. It's all we can do."

The shadows deepening around Az, his Siphons gleaming, him stuttering are all indications of how worried and terrified he is for them. But he has to try and keep calm for Cassian's sake because if Az can't contain his worry then Cassian won't be able to contain his and he'll fly back to Illyria, try to rescue them, and get them all killed.

In no way shape or form is the Blood Rite comparable to Az rescuing Elain from Hybern. If Gwyn had been taken by Hybern, Az would have left without hesitation, killing as many people as he needed to bring her back. He would do the same for Nesta, for Emerie, for Feyre, for Mor, for Briar, for any of the priestesses. Because that's the kind of male that he is.

Now, don't get me wrong, Az isn't perfect and he has many flaws he needs to work on. He may not have hesitated to save Elain from Hybern, but he obviously doesn't care much about her well-being if he's willing to kill Lucien, not giving a damn if that's what Elain wants or even how losing her mate might affect her.

Az isn't a monster. He cares very deeply about Gwyn, Nesta, and Emerie. We just won't know how much until we get his book.

[nocasdatsgay]

Have y’all notice that in canon, everyone who meets Nesta that isn’t tied to the IC likes her? Just me?

[lunainfortuna]

I just-

Nesta went through hell to find the Troves. They obey her. They call for her. When a woman from another world needed them, she asked Nesta for them. Nesta is their owner. They are hers.

I repeat: The Troves are Nesta's.

[autumns-high-lady]

The Twin Flames - Nesta Archeron and Eris Vanserra

I finished it! This is for all the people that loved my lighting sketch, I hope you all enjoy!

[lovelygwyneth]

"IT IS NOT THE ONLY WAY!" And then she was sobbing. "I will not abandon you to them. They will kill you."

"You need to go," Nesta said, even as her hands began shaking. "Now."

"No," Gwyn wept. "No, I won't. I'll face it with you." Something deep in Nesta's chest cracked. Cracked open completely, and what lay within bloomed, full and bright and pure. She wrapped her arms around Gwyn.

Let her friend sob into her chest.

"I'll face it with you," Gwyn whispered, over and over again. "Promise me we'll face it together."

My favorite thing about ACOSF was the friendship and bond formed between the Valkyries, the way they are always willing to fight for each other.

That's why I wanted to bring this scene to @gwynweekofficial, in which Gwyn shows her courage and loyalty and is willing to fight to the end alongside her friend

Thank you @lib-arts for this beautiful piece 💙