acourtofthought

[acourtofthought]

YOU'RE SO TALENTED!!!!! 😍😍😍

She needed him, more than the air she breathed, and that terrified her.

Kissing is so hard to draw for me! But have this Elucien kiss! I cannot WAIT for their book! So excited!!

#elucien #elucien fanart #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #pro elucien

[acourtofthought]

If Elain didn't want Lucien to say something to her, she shouldn't have been staring at him. 🤷😂

That's a joke of course but there's truth in it.

When you stare at somebody and they notice, it's going to prompt a response. "Do I have something on my face?" "Do I know you?"

Elain had no reason to be ignoring Nesta in favor of Lucien and I'm guessing it wasn't because he had something in his teeth. She was clearly drawn to him, somehow knew him in that moment and as she "stared" at him he simply responded to what I'm guessing were her unspoken thoughts. Lucien's hands slackened at his sides. His voice broke as he whispered to Elain, "You're my mate".

“But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in.”

“But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in.”

“But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in.”

“But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in.”

“But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in.”

“But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in.”

“But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in.”

“But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in.”

“But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in.”

“BUT ELAIN WAS STARING OVER NESTA’S SHOULDER. AT LUCIEN—WHOSE FACE SHE HAD FINALLY TAKEN IN.”

#elain archeron #pro elucien #elucien #lucien vanserra #pro elain archeron #pro lucien vanserra

[acourtofthought]

I’ve got this bad feeling that SJM is going to announce the next book as an “Azriel book” only, not giving any other info. It would be the ultimate marketing move, since it hype both the sides of the fandom.

I know that for you the next one will be the Elucien book ( AND IT IS the most rational choice because all the major plot lines are connected to them and their journey), but I fear that it will be Gwynriel.

It’s just that in the last years we had his pov and he featured in Hofas, so I feel that Sarah is setting him as the new main character.

The problem with this is that I can’t really see what his book will be about in terms of development of the story, since his only personal connection with a place in the story is the Illyria. So we could have to read 800 pages of an healing journey with some secondary events on the background that set the next book.

In the meantime, Elain will have a conversation with Az where they understand that between them there can’t be anything, maybe after a period of secret “forbidden” romance. We could also have some Elucien moments across the book.

Personally, I find it a very boring plot, but somehow that woman can make me read anything she writes despite I hate most of her characters ahah. But I fear that this is how she has planned to do.

And if I’m right (hope not), the book will be announced as Azriel’s, and the whole fandom will be on fire.

And that’s it, I just wanted to share my fear with you, since you are the strongest pillar in the temple of “Elucien book next”, hoping you could reassure me that my fears won’t come true and I can sleep sweet dreams.

I love your resilience against E/riel harassers, stay strong!!!💪🏼

I think the biggest discord in the fandom would come from SJM / Bloomsbury announcing that it's Elain's book next without confirming the love interest. If they announce Az being next then I think that would be a big indicator that Gwyn is his sharing in his POV because E/riels, Elucien's, and Gwynriels tend to agree that the debate is between Elain getting the next book (with an Az POV), Elain getting the next book (with a Lucien POV) or Az getting the next book (with Gwyn POV). Most arguments do not claim Az will get the next book with an Elain POV. Though I'm sure there will be those who argue regardless, we've still got people claiming Bryce and Hunt won't end up together.

As far as who is next, I think all opinions are valid because they're based in some sort of logic. SJM definitely gave Az more attention since SF as well as a POV bonus and that's a good reason to think he's next. But.....it doesn't really guarantee it. Eris got a lot of attention in SF too yet he's probably not getting a book anytime soon and Nesta received more attention than even Az in HOFAS and she already had a book. She's connected to both Az and Gwyn so there's a chance that still suggests a Gwynriel book next however she's Elain's sister and the reasons Nesta was built up in HOFAS, her possible connection to the Starborn fae, is something that could indicate Elain and Lucien. Nesta is an Archeron and a Made fae by the Cauldron. Elain is an Archeron and a Made fae by the Cauldron. If Nesta has the Starborn tattoo then it's logical to consider that Elain could share one as well. And we know Lucien, through Helion, probably has a connection to the Trove.

Though Az got a bonus chapter, Lucien had a POV back in ACOWAR. Though Az was built up in SF / HOFAS, Elain and Lucien were built up in ACOWAR / ACOFAS. Some will claim that because Az had recent buildup it means he's next but when we look at the below from an interview SJM did, recent buildup doesn't actually mean anything:

Yrene towers was in a TOG novella, set before the events of the TOG series but she played no part in books 1 - 5. Chaol was in books 1 - 4 but was completely absent in book 5 (same with Nesryn). Yet they were all given main POVs in book 6.

Sarah spoke about how everyone thought she hated Chaol after a time because she suddenly took her focus off him but she went on to say that "No! I always knew the story I wanted to tell for him but I just had to wait until it was time!" That is something that could easily be applied to Elain and Lucien's characters right now. So many have said she's forgotten about them, she got bored with them, she's more excited for Az's story. But what if, just like Chaol and Yrene, she's been biding her time, setting them to the side until it was time to pull them off the shelf? Sure, that could mean they'll come after Gwynriel but it also doesn't exclude them from being next just because Az played a larger role in Nesta and Cassian's story.

As far as plot, I do think Elucien makes the most sense. SF and HOFAS dropped hints as to what Az's book might be about but those things are not actually plot issues at the moment. The Illyrians are not a bigger threat than Koschei. The threat of new villains entering their world from outerspace is now in their peripheral vision but not something that's actually presented itself as a problem. But Koschei stealing Vassa back is a concern. The NC needing Springs army is a concern. Beron is a real concern. Koschei and possibly the remaining queens are a concern.

Unless the Valkyrie and the Illyrians are going to tie into Elain and Lucien's book, I am still unclear on how they'll set up Elucien's story. Unless Koschei is going to be tied into time travel, I'm not sure why a time travel plot in the next book would make sense. And you summed it up perfectly with how you mentioned that once again, another ACOTAR book would feature two characters healing journey's, their individual plots but with "secondary events in the background that set the next book." Elucien's plotlines are already well established, from ACOWAR through SF and they were not resolved in Nesta's book, they played the backdrop to Nesta's main story. Having those same plots play in the background again with no resolution seems extremely drawn out.

To me it would make the most sense for Elucien to restore Spring, bring the life back to the land where it's dying, defeat Koschei, stop Beron and secure peace through the treaty. At that point the IC can turn their focus to the Illyrians, continuing the formation of the Valkyrie and protecting their entire world from threats from outside it.

But.....these are SJMs books and only she knows what her grand vision is for the series so I could be way off base!

Edit: forgot to add thank you! ❤️. I hope you start having sweet dreams again soon!

#pro elucien #elucien #lucien vanserra #elain archeron #elucien book

[acourtofthought]

Miscommunication trope doesn't work when all it would take is for Az to one single real conversation. With Rhys, "I care about her, Rhys." "I'm over Mor, Rhys." With Elain, "are you going to talk to Lucien about your bond?" "What do you want from this Elain?" With Lucien, "We didn't mean for this to happen, but we couldn't help it" "We're sorry for hurting you" and what happened could have been avoided. Az has experienced the emotional safety of the IC for centuries. If after 500+ years he can't drop his guard for a few moments with the female he supposedly loves and his brother who he does love, then a relationship should be the last thing he's worried about. He's clearly got "too much trauma" to be with Elain if he can't be the tiniest bit vulnerable with her or Rhys.

A miscommunication trope doesn't usually happen from the POV of the one doing the rejecting.

A miscommunication trope only works when the MMC doesn't confirm he did the right thing then ends the scene thinking about another woman.

For anyone crying that Gwyn is manipulating him, it's kind of amazing that her "agoraphobia" will prevent her from falling in love and being intimate with a male but it wouldn't stop her from becoming an evil villain, manipulating the romance of Az and Elain. Apparently she can betray everyone from within the library, just not find romance.

#anti e/riel #gwynriel #gwyneth berdara

[acourtofthought]

is elain short or is that just a fanon thing? Also what's her height in relation to Lucien's?

I think her being extremely short is a fanon thing.

Amren is short compared to the fae (who are typically taller than humans since Feyre grew when she was turned) so maybe 5'2?

It says Feyre stands half a foot taller than Amren:

So maybe Feyre is about 5'8?

And Nesta is two inches taller than Feyre:

And considered tall for a female which I think would think would be 5'10.

To my best guess, that means Elain could be anywhere between 5'2 and 5'8" because her height is not specifically mentioned. Viviane was able to find clothes for her so I'm guessing she's not extremely short.

We know they were required to put Amren in a child's fighting leathers so her diminutive size is something that is notable versus Elain who is never referred to as short, just delicate which to me means small boned.

This was Elain after they had their fortune restored (meaning she should have had plenty to eat):

As for Lucien, his height is never specified though his four brothers and Beron were mentioned as tall UTM. Graysen is also mentioned as being tall so my guess is Lucien would also be.

#elain archeron #lucien vanserra

[acourtofthought]

Regarding Lucien’s scars. I think it’s basically a headcanon in the fandom that Lucien still has the scars on his back from being whipped, but if those are present in canon too, that could be interesting. Howeverrrr… the facial scar must be kind of a big deal for Lucien. Amarantha attacked him 50ish years ago and then within a few days she organized that masquerade ball “in Lucien’s honor” - the masked theme was a scheme to help him basically hide what she did to his face. Then the masks were plastered to the faces of everyone in Spring Court because Tamlin didn’t accept to sleep with Amarantha. So here’s Lucien, hiding his scars for 50 years no matter how uncomfortable the whole mask situation may have been… but now his facial scar that he cannot hide anywhere (unlike Azriel’s hands) is just in full view for anyone who looks at him. I think there is no question about it. He must be self conscious about it, especially since he thinks Elain is the most beautiful female he has ever seen and she doesn’t reciprocate anything yet. People have been writing about it here on tumblr recently but I really hope SJM explores Lucien’s character from this perspective too. I assume he must feel very inadequate compared to Elain. She has so much (family, friends, connected to the IC, safety and security, beauty, etc.), whereas Lucien refers to himself as a whole lot of nothing. He doesn’t have a home or even a court, he’s basically all alone in the fae world, his closest allies are two humans who so far don’t have much power or influence in Prythian. I assume he is probably also unhappy with his looks after such a traumatic experience. I hope SJM explores this, I think that would be a really cool addition to Elucien’s healing journey. Even though Lucien is quite snarky and cocky outwardly, his inner monologue seems very self conscious. Ahhh SJM give us the angstttttt

I AGREE!!!!!! I think while there are sincere aspects of Lucien's personality that are (hahaha, I just accidentally typed snocky which was my brain getting confused on whether I wanted to type snarky or cocky first) snarky and cocky, I also feel it's a default mechanism too. Lucien is known to take care in his appearance and he is aware of appearances. Even in book once he was a bit of a fashionista, commenting on how Feyre's tunic wasn't as pretty as a dress and being amazed at how positively fae she looked when she did finally put one on. There's also this: Lucien said, "True. But indulge me: you're a human woman, and yet you'd rather eat hot coals than sit here longer than necessary. Ignoring this" - he waved a hand at the metal eye and brutal scar on his face-" surely we're not so miserable to look at. Lucien must be constantly aware of others looking at him and I'm guessing he's never sure if it's about the eye or if his scars are unappealing to them. For someone who does care about appearances, whose job it is to talk to High Lords and make friends to be a successful emissary, there is definitely an inner discomfort he's trying to brush off through his nonchalance and jokes about his appearance. I think you're right. Elain is beautiful to the point that people talk. Eris somehow heard across courts that Lucien's mate is a real beauty. She had heiresses jealous of her at barely thirteen. Her mother commented that if her beauty held, she'd be able to secure them a decent match on the marriage market (Elain was 11). So Lucien comes along and not only is he given this super special, sacred bond with her but she turns out to be the most beautiful female he'd ever seen all while knowing that she's in love with someone else. And there he is, with no home, no family name, a scar running down his face and one eye. I would take Lucien in a second and we know that many in the ACOTAR world reference his good looks but you can see how he would struggle with his appearance. You can see how Elain literally took his breath away and she did not seem effected by him (I imagine we'll find out that wasn't the truth in her POV but it's how he perceived it at the time). He thinks she doesn't want him or need him and I definitely think we're going to find that he's been feeling very insecure about her perception of his physical appearance.

#lucien vanserra #pro elucien #pro lucien vanserra #elucien

[acourtofthought]

Anyone that's seen my page knows I think Elucien's book is next.

That should give Gwyn plenty of time to be ready to take the next steps in an effort to satisfy you and for my own peace of mind give Az some time to finish stewing over how Lucien was in fact good enough for Elain and how he could not easily defeat him.

A humble Az will be an Az worthy of his own love story.

I have never known a group more determined to make Gwyn's entire personality her trauma than even Gwyn has herself.

This from the same people who have convinced themselves Lucien wants Vassa despite him not giving consent that he's interested in her romantically. After Lucien too suffered SA.

Gwyn is not real. She doesn't have to give her consent for us to imagine that a male she felt comfortable being alone with in the middle of the night with no one else around might be someone she is eventually interested in romantically.

A female who chooses to interact with Az during training, something you don't see with Emerie towards Az. Gwyn actively teases and seeks out conversation with him specifically.

She's shown more interest in Az after a few months than we saw from Elain after over a year. Looking at someone does not trump actually talking to them and that's about all Elain did in SF.

Using Gwyn's trauma as a reason to deny her the possibility of love in future books is an absolutely disgusting take in this fandom.

That's what healing journeys are about and trying to gaslight readers into thinking they're bad people for currently shipping Gwyn with Az just because she hasn't verbally stated "I want to sleep with you" at this point in the series makes you look like an enemy to SA victims, not an advocate.

[acourtofthought]

Actually I have posts claiming how Gwyn could be a Lightsinger but it doesn't mean she's evil.

And according to the author who says she hates when women are pitted against one another, it's a valid to claim that SJM is probably not using Gwyn as angst for Elriel.

I also believe that Gwyn is capable of "ill deeds", just not against those she cares for. Just as I feel the same for Elain. Both females can get their hands dirty if necessary but I don't think the FMC of an SJM book is going to betray her loved ones.

Yes, Gwyn does in fact deserve to find love but not because of her trauma 😂😂😂😂

Because EVERYONE deserves love. And nobodies trauma should hold them back from that.

Of course Gwyn isn't ready for love in SF but guess what? SJM will have 800 pages to resolve that if Gwyn gets a book! I've ready MANY standalones where a female SA survivor was terrified to engage with the world at the start of their book and lo and behold overcame her past by the end! (insert jazz hands here).

Healing in this book doesn't happen when I want it too. Healing happens when the fucking author decides it will happen and you're a fool to think she's going to deny any of her characters healing just because a random elriel needs Gwyn to remain unhealed so Az is free and clear to be with another woman.

Gwyn's trauma is real to many people but this is a fictional fantasy book and the point is to give survivors hope that their healing will come someday. You claiming they need to wait at least X amount of time to be healed properly does more damage than an author giving them a positive feel good story of hope and healing even if Gwyn's character happens to heal more quickly than they have personally experienced.

Every single SA victim has had a different experience therefore no matter how SJM writes Gwyn's healing, no matter the length of time, it could be very similar to that of a real person!

Lucien and Rhys were SA but I don't see anyone claiming they aren't / weren't ready for love.

I don't feel sorry for Elain that she has fans like you. I feel sorry for the author to realize this is the agenda her fans are putting out there in regards to Gwyn's character.

I have never known a group more determined to make Gwyn's entire personality her trauma than even Gwyn has herself.

This from the same people who have convinced themselves Lucien wants Vassa despite him not giving consent that he's interested in her romantically. After Lucien too suffered SA.

Gwyn is not real. She doesn't have to give her consent for us to imagine that a male she felt comfortable being alone with in the middle of the night with no one else around might be someone she is eventually interested in romantically.

A female who chooses to interact with Az during training, something you don't see with Emerie towards Az. Gwyn actively teases and seeks out conversation with him specifically.

She's shown more interest in Az after a few months than we saw from Elain after over a year. Looking at someone does not trump actually talking to them and that's about all Elain did in SF.

Using Gwyn's trauma as a reason to deny her the possibility of love in future books is an absolutely disgusting take in this fandom.

That's what healing journeys are about and trying to gaslight readers into thinking they're bad people for currently shipping Gwyn with Az just because she hasn't verbally stated "I want to sleep with you" at this point in the series makes you look like an enemy to SA victims, not an advocate.

#azriel acotar #gwyneth berdara #pro gwynriel #anti e/riel

[acourtofthought]

I don't know if I'm being petty, but I like to think that some of Elain's actions toward Azriel are just foreshadowing for Elucien's dynamic. For example, Lucien is very thoughtful about his choices for Elain's gifts, and Elain is invested in the presents she gives to others, including Azriel, even if it's in the form of a prank. This makes me think that receiving gifts will be one of their main love languages.

The scene where Elain called Azriel's scars beautiful could mean that if Lucien still holds any insecurities regarding his scars, it'd be no problem at all for his mate to help him realize how gorgeous he is, inside and out.

And, most of all, the theme of choice would fit so much better in an Elucien romance. I mean, Azriel isn't the one banned from two courts, prohibited to see his mother, exiled in a strange land, the one who has only two humans (who will die in a few decades compared to a fae immortal life) as his only friends, and he's definitely not the one being ignored by his mate and fearful of her rejection. If there's a character who deserves (plot-wise) to be chosen, it's definitely Lucien.

Besides, it would make so much sense with Elain's and Lucien's characters and with the development of their relationship. The fact that Lucien respects her time and space (or his passivity, as some like to call it) allows Elain to make the choice of pursuing the bond when she feels comfortable and secure enough. She'd also have more agency than her sisters in the beginning of their relationships.

But these are just thoughts.

Thank you for your blog and your theories and thoughts. You make me feel hopeful not only for an Elucien's endgame, but also that they really have the chance to get the next book. You have been a light in the end of this three-years-length tunnel.

P.S. I also have a guess that the announcement will be on May 1st. Hope we are right!

Also, the scene where Elain called Az's scars pretty could actually have been Elain calling his siphons pretty because Feyre wasn't sure what she was looking at.

However, I do agree that Elain is going to find Lucien's face devastatingly handsome and the reason for that kind of ties into her mother. Which sounds weird but I'll try to explain.

Her mother made assumptions about her, that she did not dream beyond her pretty dresses and gardens and that she would marry for love and "beauty". So of course, Elain tried to follow those expectations, getting engaged to exactly who her mother would have imagined for her.

I know Elain loved Graysen and probably found him handsome but he seems cookie cutter. Even Feyre said, he was sort of the human ideal of a lord come to sweep a maiden off her feet.

Lucien's face isn't perfect. He's handsome no doubt but he has long hair (no proper mother would approve of that), a scar running down his face and his eye. He is not the image of a baby faced Lord set to inherit his fathers estate someday. He's cruelly beautiful and looks dangerous and, we're all human here, that's going to thrill the "good girls" which everyone assumes Elain to be. Graysen is the kind of guy you have missionary sex with while the lights are out. Lucien is the kind of guy you are willing to do anything, anywhere with and that's probably a bit overwhelming for Elain given her upbringing. Right now, she's still stuck in the past, how she was raised, the kind of guy her mother proclaimed she would marry rather than embracing what lights her up like a pinball machine but I have no doubt once she does break free she's going to make sure he knows exactly how appealing she finds him because of the scars, the hair, the eye. Because of how it all comes together.

And I agree regarding the gifts! I think we see bits of Elain's personality around members of the IC but she never fully blooms, it's like a quick flash then it's gone. I could see Elain and Lucien teasing one another on regular days, silly gifts, sweet little gifts, but the important days I think will be when they reserve the really thoughtful, heartfelt gifts for.

With choice, I wonder if it's so much about that as fight.

(that sounds weird too but I wasn't sure how to word it).

What I mean by that is Lucien was chosen by Jesminda. He was chosen by Tamlin. He was chosen by many friends of which we're told he has many. He was chosen by the LoA as her favorite son. The problem is nobody fought to keep him.

The same with Elain. She was chosen by Graysen, she was "chosen" by Azriel, she was chosen by the chef and servants who wanted to do nice things for her, she was chosen by her many friends. But, none of them fought for her either. When things got hard they walked away.

Lucien and Elain are parallel in that they're just accepting life as it happens to them, trying to accept that when one door closes (to their dismay) and another opens, they roll with it even if they're not happy. They haven't learned to fight for themselves, possibly because they are used to not being fought for and as a result they try not to ask for much because they realize how expendable they are to others.

But in their book, I think they'll push past that to fight for what they do want and they will fight for one another. Lucien has been doing that so far when it comes to Elain. He is the one person who despite the odds did not walk away from her. Graysen gave up after Elain was turned. Az gave up easily, moved right onto feeling calm because of another female, admiring another female, thinking of another females eyes light up, even though Elain was probably upset after his rejection for the simple fact that any rejection hurts. But Lucien though he hasn't pushed her, has quietly fought for her for two years, by showing that he is still loyal to her and only her. And I imagine we'll also see Elain begin to fight for Lucien. Fighting against those who have wronged him, fighting for him to understand that he's not guilty for Jesminda's death or what happened to Feyre, etc.

Your last paragraph before the P.S. (May 1, May 1!!!) was so incredibly sweet and I wish I had better words to thank you for it.

I hope you have a fantastic day and I appreciate your message!

#elain archeron #elucien #lucien vanserra #pro elucien #pro elain archeron #pro lucien vanserra #elucien supremacy #elain x lucien #elucien headcanon #character deep dive

[acourtofthought]

Vassa is not going to be "cool" with Lucien's mating bond because she'll understand that it's the bond and bond alone that makes him long for Elain. That's an argument I saw yesterday, that a fae mating bond which means he'll always share a connection to a fae female just won't matter to her because she'll understand. Vassa, if she and Lucien were developing feelings for one another after the YEAR of living together, would not be fine with Lucien heading to Solstice to spend the night, bringing a gift for his mate, staring at her with longing, and not bothering to invite Vassa along. Let's not lie to ourselves, if any of us were dating someone who left us at home in a similar situation to the above we would not be happy. If Vassa were meant to play a continuing role in their fae world, why would the author have not mentioned something about her showing interest in it? She insulted Tamlin which made Lucien cringe, we're told she and Jurian share a similar vision for the humans, we're told she wants to reclaim her human body and kingdom. Where does Lucien fit into that picture? And not a fun little headcanon but with actual clues. Where, between Jurian and Vassa trying to lead the humans TOGETHER is there room for Lucien? What will Vassa be doing in Day Court as a human with no power (since she's looking to break the curse and therefore will no longer be required to turn into a firebird). How is SHE going to stand by the side of a future High Lord of a fae people? Also, where are there clues Vassa is remotely interested in Lucien romantically? For everyone who stands on their podium and declares Gwyn is not interested in Az though she asked whether he could sing, was desperate to wipe the smirk off his face, and said, "see you tomorrow Shadowsinger" where are we coming to the conclusion that Vassa sees Lucien as anything more than a friend? That's their whole schtick right? We shouldn't be shipping a couple until we see consent of interest? So where has Vassa given Lucien ANY green light? These are the on page words spoken between Vassa and Lucien: "But leaving a human scent at the site is so obvious a clue that it seems unlikely it was one of them." "Any move they make is heavily weighed." "Yes. The others' departure would serve to remove obstacles to her ambitions. But she'd only do this if she had someone of immense power behind her. Perhaps pull her strings". Lucien's eye clicked. "Who".

"You wonder who is capable of making a unit of Fae soldiers across the sea vanish? Who could give Briallyn the power to winnow - or do it for her? Who could aid Briallyn so she'd be bold enough to do such a thing? Look to Koschei". "He's still at the lake," Lucien said carefully. "Yes, but Koschei is as old as the sea - older." THAT'S IT. Nothing personal, nothing that speaks of familiarity after a year. The only scene we get hints that they've spent any time together is when Vassa looked at Lucien to break up she and Jurian's bickering and he paid no attention to her. They'll claim Lucien blushing over Feyre's comment means endgame while claiming Az feeling something spark in his chest for Gwyn means nothing. They'll claim Lucien being irritated over Vassa and Jurian being at one another's throat means he wants her (while staring at Elain with longing) though Az noting Gwyn's charming irreverence and thinking of her eyes lighting up means nothing. I don't know about you all but I don't have to want to date someone in order to feel annoyed at two friends constantly bickering when I'm around. They'll take Lucien setting his sights on a villain means he's definitely down bad for Vassa while ignoring all the times Az glanced over at Gwyn, watched her with brows high with amusement, having Cassian note Az looking at her with admiration. Lucien did not avoid Elain for a year because he's so smitten by Vassa he's staying in the human lands. He's living with JURIAN (who he said he's thankful for) and Vassa because (canon coming your way) they are his friends. He chose to sit by Jurian on a pink couch rather than stand by Vassa in SF. People are free to ship who they want to ship however just call it what it is. Don't sit there and claim one ship can't happen because of XYZ while another couple you claim to ship can happen with even less to go on.

I’m sorry but I do not believe anyone who says they love Lucien and at the same time ship him with Vassa. Why would you ship him with a human he will outlive by centuries? Sjm has made it clear that the mating bond is rare and cherished among fae. And Lucien clearly longs for a relationship with Elain. If you love Lucien so much why don’t you want him to have that epic, fated love? 🤨

#anti vassien #anti e/riel

[acourtofthought]

Hi!!! I hope you’re doing amazing ☺️.

Quick thought about Lucien being the SEVENTH SON - I’ve always wondered if it has/will have any meaning and if that was intentional on SJM’s part? I know numbers are very important in the series, especially the number 3. But the number 7 is in general very powerful and symbolizes completion/completeness and perfection…

I haven’t seen anyone else post about it but I wanted to know if you had any thoughts on that? Thanks!!!!

I don't have any good thoughts on that unfortunately, I'm sorry! While I agree with you and she tends to make certain numbers feature in her series, there doesn't seem to be any major follow through revolving around those numbers (at least that I can tell!).

[acourtofthought]

The below links to Tik Tok are an excellent two part series on the Az bonus and I also wanted to add a thought I had while watching.

This was Cassian's response to Nesta refusing his gift:

Within a minute he was overcome with emotion to the point that he hurled the gift into the Sidra. He didn't stop to think of how much thought and effort he put into it, why it would have been smarter to take it home and store it, he threw it into the water never to be seen again (or so he thought, I have a theory Gwyn will recover the tiny manuscript in her book).

But the point is, he acted out of instinct from his hurt.

In comparison this was Az's reaction to Elain returning the necklace.

Even taking Gwyn out of the situation, Az pocketed the necklace and planned on returning it. To me that strongly suggests he was not as hurt by the action of Elain returning the gift as was Cassian when Nesta refused his as Cassian's response was immediate. Yes Az lost the snowball fight because he was irritated at his brother but if it was about his having true feelings for Elain, he wouldn't have been planning for the entire day on how he was going to get his money back.

#anti e/riel #gwynriel

[acourtofthought]

I just saw an Elriel post that highlighted the "mating bond is a bridge between souls" line and then showed Feysand quotes to emphasize the point. They then showed the Elriel quote, "the only bridge of connection between them...that knife" and a quote that says how Lucien had "done nothing to bridge the gap between them" 

I find it ironic that they used that specific quote for Elriel since it literally says that the ONLY bridge of connection between Elain and Azriel is truth teller, and then Elain gives truth teller back. Meaning there is no more bridge connecting them.

Also, I will never understand how they bash Lucien for apparently not trying hard enough to connect with Elain, but as soon as he does try anything, they scream that he's possessive and taking away Elain's choice. So, what exactly do they want from him?

Also, there is a quote from Lucien where he literally says that the bond between him and Elain is real, "it's a read thread." So, is there an emotional gap between Lucien and Elain right now? Yes, which is completely understandable. But is there also a mating bond, a bridge between souls, between them? Also, yes. 

To your point at the end, it is ok there's an emotional gap between Lucien and Elain. I don't want them connecting in someone else's book, I don't want Elain's feelings to be evident for him where I'm not getting to experience it all from her POV. I don't want a flashing neon sign proclaiming "they're in love!" rather than seeing it happen in their story. SJM left me enough hints to feel confident while still looking forward to their romance playing out in real time. Also, this wasn't in the novella for shits and giggles: "Stay out of it. She's not ready, and neitehr is he, no matter how many presents they bring." "Let him live with his Band of Exiles. Let him deal with Tamlin in his own way. Let him figure out where he wants to be. Who he wants to be. The same goes with her." "Just be patient. It'll sort itself out. It always does." "I want them to be happy. All of them." "They will be" She said the simple words with such unflagging conviction that I believed her. That covers it all. The reason Elain and Lucien are currently at odds, the reason Lucien still has not attempted to bridge the gap. Neither is ready, they still have too much of their own problems to figure out before they can turn to romance. Elain needed to accept becoming fae, needing to consider the possibility of actually being with a fae (and not jumping right into an intense mating bond), Lucien needed time to really think about what he wants from his future, where he wants to live (it's not going to be the human lands forever), how he wants to deal with his relationship with Tamlin. Now that SF has ended they've had 16 months to do exactly that and there's a good chance that Mor's prediction is about to take off. The funniest thing is they'll destroy Lucien's character for keeping his distance from Elain while applauding Az for doing the exact same thing. Lucien can't stand being near Elain because he sees her current distance and it hurts him. It's evident he still thinks about her, he asked Feyre how she was doing, brought her a present, asked if she still mourned Graysen (which means he is respecting the love she had for someone else). We know an unfulfilled bond can drive males mad and that is another reason it's a strain for him. Az avoided Elain because he can't stand the scent of her bond. Did she ask him to stay away? Did she ignore him? Lucien is doing what he's doing because he's respecting Elain's clues for space and time though it pains him to do so. Az is doing what he's doing for his own selfish reasons. Elain could have used a support system in the NC over the past year but Az chose to focus on his own needs instead of what would have been best for her. The scent of her bond isn't going anywhere and he chose to make that the driving factor of whether to spend time with her or not which means he'll never spend time with her unless the bond suddenly disappeared. That's not a worthy male. And yes, "the ONLY bridge of connection, that knife." Which means, after Elain returned TT, there was no remaining bridge of connection. Sure they were willing to make out but the author is LITERALLY telling us there's nothing to support their pairing long term. The one thing that seemed to connect them is not the foundation that true love is built on. It makes me laugh when this line is used romantically but when the other hints that are used throughout the series also receive the blinder treatment, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Like Elain and Az outside, his leathers SO AT ODDS with the beautiful garden. Or Elain with spring blooming behind her and death on the other side. Elain sitting in the sunniest windows, as if "any bit of darkness was abhorrent", Elain in black, "no matter that she declared herself part of this court, it sucked the life from her."

A near kiss and a few glances mean nothing when the author is continually feeding us line after line about how Elain is not where she's meant to be and she's not ending up with the guy who is completely at odds with her in every way despite her efforts to distract herself from her problems by engaging in a crush on him.

#pro elucien #elucien #anti e/riel

[acourtofthought]

Gwyn can't start a relationship with Az in the future because she's clearly too traumatized by her past from two years ago even though she expressed disappointment over having the chance to lay with a male for the first time being taken from her. Also, the fact that she was ok being alone with him in the middle of the night and has teased him on a few occasions couldn't possibly be her flirting just a bit.

However Vassa will start a relationship with Lucien despite the fact that her body is still under the control of an evil sorcerer, we know he's planning on forcing her to return and lord knows what her mental state will be after that, plus she's never actually given us any hints as to her sexual preference or whether she has any interest in Lucien as more than a friend.

#lucien vanserra #anti vassien #gwynriel #anti e/riel #gwyneth berdara #vassa acotar

[acourtofthought]

I do think Elain has healing powers of some kind though I don't think this was purposefully done by Sarah, however it's still kind of crazy how it worked out!

#pro elain archeron #elain archeron #acotar theory

[acourtofthought]

I have never known a group more determined to make Gwyn's entire personality her trauma than even Gwyn has herself.

This from the same people who have convinced themselves Lucien wants Vassa despite him not giving consent that he's interested in her romantically. After Lucien too suffered SA.

Gwyn is not real. She doesn't have to give her consent for us to imagine that a male she felt comfortable being alone with in the middle of the night with no one else around might be someone she is eventually interested in romantically.

A female who chooses to interact with Az during training, something you don't see with Emerie towards Az. Gwyn actively teases and seeks out conversation with him specifically.

She's shown more interest in Az after a few months than we saw from Elain after over a year. Looking at someone does not trump actually talking to them and that's about all Elain did in SF.

Using Gwyn's trauma as a reason to deny her the possibility of love in future books is an absolutely disgusting take in this fandom.

That's what healing journeys are about and trying to gaslight readers into thinking they're bad people for currently shipping Gwyn with Az just because she hasn't verbally stated "I want to sleep with you" at this point in the series makes you look like an enemy to SA victims, not an advocate.

#gwynriel #gwyneth berdara

[acourtofthought]

I'd love an announcement today though I can't deny next Wednesday would be pretty perfect to announce an Elucien book.

Ianthe was poison and not the person to help restore the magic to the lands but....

#elucien #pro elucien #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #pro lucien vanserra #pro elain archeron #acotar 5