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gwynsazriel · 6 months

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Why i’m 99% sure Azriel’s (and gwyn) book is next.

I genuinely think she heavily set up his storyline in acosf, he was one of the characters that was most heavily involved in acosf (beside nesta and cassian obviously), and sjm genuinely seemed to highlight things about him and delve into more personal things about him (more than we’ve ever seen before in any other book). Azriel has always been the mysterious one that we know nothing about, the quiet one, etc.. but i’ve realized starting acosf, sjm has been slowly making the readers aware of his personal struggles and genuinely just throwing out more random info about him.

i also think sjm is setting up a heavier and deeper valkyrie storyline. it was made clear by the end that their journey wasn’t over. as well as adding lingering questions here and there ( “nesta wondered if they’ll ever see battle”), nesta telling cassian that she’s thinking about leading the valkyries, introducing pegasus to the story (where pegasus are known to be heavily prominent in valkyrie’s mythology as they used to ride them into battle) and already connecting the pegasus to gwyn, nesta, and emerie. (and also confirming that we’ll see more pegasus in the next book and future books!!)

and then gwyn expressing her want to leave the library but by the end of the book she ends up going back there. the illyrians being pissed and are threatened by the fact that gwyn and emerie won the blood rite. her own personal storyline, and the storyline of the valkyries AND illyrians is clearly not over. but not just that, sjm made those topics heavily mentioned and prominent in acosf, (imo) clearly setting them up for the next book. like i’d be genuinely surprised if she threw those topics aside for the next book and then going back to them after, when they’re already set up and fresh in the readers head.

what i think really sealed the deal for me and what convinced me that azriel’s book is next is when sarah said that to her, it was “obvious” who the next book is about AFTER READING ACOSF. like that told me EVERYTHING. she was practically screaming who it was.

like when she said that how can you not think of azriel. she specifically said “after reading acosf”.

he literally got his own bonus chapter. he was one of the most heavily involved characters in acosf.

im sorry but elain was barely involved at all, and that’s quite surprising considering how nesta and elain’s relationship was even closer than nesta and feyre’s in previous books but elain was barely even present. so it would not be “obvious” at allllll if elain was next. and when sjm was asked if we’ll see elain next book she literally said

“we’ll see SOME of elain” ?? does that seem like the next main protagonist to you? yet she was gushing about how excited she was to write azriel’s journey

and to counterargue the argument about “azriel’s bonus chapter doesn’t matter”, i remember when steph (sarah’s best friend) was first reading acosf back in 2021. sarah SPECIFICALLY told her to read azriel’s bonus chapter before she gave her any thoughts about the book. that bonus chapter is clearly important to sarah.

and also another fun fact, steph was a hardcore el/riel before acosf, and after she read acosf and the bonus chapter she switched to gwynriel (then she was bullied mercilessly by e*riels so she just stopped talking about ships)

i just think when sjm said it was “obvious” who the next book is about, it really told me all i needed to know, especially also with the continued comments of her saying she’s excited to write his journey.

i just wanted to make this post because i know people are still going back and forth with who they think the next book will be about (even with some eluciens still believing elain will be next), but i just wanted to clarify my opinion and why i think the way i think!

also my first language isn’t english so i’m sorry if i said something wrong in grammar or spelling or whatever :)

also i want to make a more detailed post with more information about this!! this is just the gist of it and what i can think of at the top of my mind rn

#acosf #gwynriel #gwyneth berdara #azriel #a court of silver flames #gwyn berdara #acotar #valkyries

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acourtofthought · 2 months

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How do you think Azriel will get a POV if Elriel doesn’t happen? Sarah already said she writes about women, so if he get’s a pov it’ll probably be similar to Cassian’s in SF. Now, Elain is the last sister and Sarah is clearly planning on giving Azriel more protagonism, wouldn’t it be the obvious choice to put them together? And Gwyn is cool but do you really think Sarah will make her a main character? I don’t think so

I don't think it would be the obvious choice to put E/riel together for POV reasons.

SJM is not finished with this series after the next book.

We know Lucien needs to discover that Helion is his father and discover his full powers. We know that Beron needs killed so Eris can take over as HL of Autumn (and the LoA's abuse and Eris's torture can finally come to an end). We need to see the Valkyrie become an elite fighting unit (and not just three females which is not the Valkyrie truly being reborn, they need to be a legion of warriors). We know Mor needs to come out to her friends. We know that Elain needs to discover her powers. We know that Spring needs restored. We know that the peace treaty needs secured. We know the Illyrians not respecting female warriors needs to change. We know we need to discover why Nesta was left with Gwydion and the Prison territory. We need Vassa's curse to be broken. We need the box Koschei hides his soul in to be found. We need the illness plaguing the Pegasus foals to be cured. We know Koschei needs defeated. We need to find out exactly why Merrill was researching the Valkryie and time travel. We need to find out why SJM wrote that Nesta would call the dead to her in the thousands, but not just yet.

It would be impossible to solve every single one of those storylines in an Elain / Azriel POV and that means someone has to get a POV after that.

So who has the power to carry a book after that? Lucien and Vassa?

Gwyn, in a single book, has had way more dialogue than Vassa over the course of 2.5 books.

Gwyn is fae and Vassa is a human.

Gwyn is connected to main characters in the NC and Vassa is not connected to any of them, she's connected to Lucien and regardless of how much of the story is set outside the NC, there needs to be a NC character who has a main connection to the leads since they are the "Gandalf" of this series. Lucien isn't going near the NC if Elain rejects their bond.

Gwyn is connected to the Valkyrie who SJM hinted at having a story beyond what we saw in SF and Vassa.......will do what after she's freed from Koschei? Lead the humans?

I'm not sure why anyone would feel Gwyn can't become a main character yet Vassa can when Vassa has shown absolutely zero interest in the fae since the war against Hybern. And like it or not, this series is about the fae while the humans take a backseat.

If Yrene could spring up as a main character with a POV in TOD which was her first appearance, then why exactly is there any arguments against Gwyn becoming one too? She's already farther along that Yrene ever was.

#gwynriel #elucien #anti e/riel

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gwyns · 2 months

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I remember a post by an E/riel pushing the theory of Elain being tied to Dusk Court and how she’s connected to the Prison. “Elain will restore the Prison/Dusk Court (with the help of Azriel)” “Elain will become High Lady/High Queen of Dusk”. They even said “Rhys said the Pegasuses hailed from the island the Prison is located on, and haven't been able to breed successfully ever since. If Elain restores the 8th court, that means more pegususes. So in conclusion... Give Elain a Pegasus” 🤡 ??? You know who is actually connected with Pegasus? Gwyn and the Valkyries.

I’m not trying to sound petty, but it’s like they’re trying to turn Elain into a warrior/Gwyn, when Elain isn’t one. I’m glad Elain isn’t a warrior. I like that she would rather garden and bake. I like warrior women, but I also like women who don’t want to wield a sword. Stop trying to make Elain something she’s not.

The same ones saying Elain will be High Lady/High Queen of Dusk Court with Azriel by her side were also the same ones that were fiercely defending that Elain belongs in the Night Court, because her sisters and friends are there. But now it’s different?😂🤡

After HOFAS was released I’ve seen E/riel’s do a lot of backtracking with their theories and now they’re trying to make Elain connected to Gwydion (and still believe Prison/Dusk is hers). Please, let Nesta have something of her own. It makes the most sense for Nesta to have Gwydion. She’s a warrior, has the eight-pointed star tattoo, is connected to the prison, and more connected to the Dread Trove. I think the Valkyries will rule over the Prison after reading a theory about it.

this is sooo funny lol they really do try and take everything from other characters and give it to elain when she already has her own things!!! she likes to garden and bake and has rare seer powers and is outright connected to the new main baddie and vassa through her visions!!!! all of that is cool as hell and they're still trying to find ways to make her more compatible with that bat. if you have to change the fundamentals of your supposed favorite character to make them work better with another character, maybe just maybe... and stay with me here... they're not that good of a match!!

oh silly anon (i swear i'm not trying to be patronizing i'm just trying to joke), don't you know that e/riels are always bullshitting their way through the fandom? one second elain should stay with her sisters, who clearly don't understand her on a deep level and who she doesn't have the best relationships with from what we've seen the past couple of book releases, but then the next she has to be the high lady of dusk! or the princess of the court of nightmares!! or the high queen!!! and all alongside azriel!!!!

i love when they backtrack, i can always get a good laugh out of it, they must have the memory of a goldfish. i fully agree with your last statement. the island the prison is on is for the valkyries, i believe that'll become their stronghold, and isn't it funny how truth teller's twin is in nesta, a valkyrie's, hands and she is also heavily connected to the prison? all this tells me personally is that az is likely the next mc and nesta will be at least somewhat involved in the plot

and guess what? if one valkyrie is involved, all of them will be. meaning gwynriel is looking more and more endgame every single day. i can see why they're upset 🥰

#hofas spoilers #cc3 spoilers #house of flame and shadow spoilers #crescent city spoilers #antielriel #anti e/riel #asks #anonymous

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merymoonbeam · 7 months

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I've read some of their theory AND I DON'T GET IT.

Please explain to me how Gwyn is a mermaid, but at the same time a Thunderbird, a Pegasus (or connected to it). Has fire and water powers? Like? I really can't understand. All I see are same wording but if you take context, it's so chaotic and doesn't make sense. I thought Gwyn is a priestess, Nesta's friend and Valkyrie. Why is she suddenly Beron's granddaughter? Because they have the same hair color? But then she's also Tamlin's daughter? Because her mother conceived during one of the rites. Who is her real father and why it became her "plot" when her arc was told and done already?

Why can't they accept and love her for who she is not for who she is "connected" to? Why can't they accept her real "power" but invent powers even though it was too obvious she's not connect to any of it? This fcking fandom. At this point, she seems more important than Bryce, Feyre, and Aelin.

Lastly, sorry to Nesta because she's overshadowed. It's like she's not ACOSF MC. Sorry to all acotar fans also, because as I observe the people in this fandom especially the loud ones, I thought Gwyn was the main character.

girl… she is the next avatar duh. SHE IS GONNA STOP THE FIRE NATION AND BRING BALANCE TO THE WORLD. 🗣🗣

but for real tho at this point she has all these type of powers but when you look at the canon material… nothing. Same words are not always have the same context. this is writing you gotta be fancy and play word games…

deep down they know gwyn has nothing so they try to connect to her all these plot points so she will be important. And I keep saying if she was gonna be important she would have been in the earlier books where sarah’d planted the seeds for the upcoming books but you get her retcon rescue scene in acosf… and that should tell them that she was never a priority begin with.

#anon ask

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spymasterspriest · 10 months

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Chapter 6

The Spymaster & The Priest A Gwynriel role reversal fanfiction

Masterlist, or read the entire series on AO3

The next few days blurred by, not giving Azriel much time to ponder over the spymaster. She was gone most of the time, visiting different places around the city - to which she tells him absolutely nothing. Rita has been busy preparing and stocking elixirs and medicinals, keeping him busy.

By the end of their stay, he’s following Gwyn into the stables as she moves through the muddy streets. The spring rains hadn’t let up in the slightest. She strides through the inn’s stable doors. Very few creatures were stabled, but it’s obvious which belongs to her. Azriel slows, giving space.

An absolutely massive, ebony Pegasus whinnies at her approach. Azriel stares slack jawed. Gwyn rubs the beasts velvety nose, and coos - his shadows reaching out for her.

This Pegasus was magnificently muscled, light reflecting off its black coat like diamond. Tucked carefully at its side, downy, jet-black feathered wings made the mount look impossibly larger. Azriel wondered how she’d managed to get the High Lord of the Day Court to part ways with such a beautiful creature. Pegasus populations had nearly been wiped out during Amarantha’s rule. It was said the High Lord of the Day Court had attempted to breed them back with varying degrees of success.

“This is Senka,” Gwyn introduces, glancing over her shoulder at him. “Senka, this is Azriel. He’ll be flying with us.”

Flying.

A thrill shot up his spine. The giant beast raised its head to stare squarely at him. Its large round eyes were entirely black, flecked as if they held the universe in their depths. Senka’s sharp gaze spoke to its intellect and fierce devotion, scattered like stars in the night.

Gwyn insists on showing him the basics of Pegasus care. As the sun begins to lower, he’s learned to attach the saddle, rub the beast down, and what foods he likes best. The spymaster ducks back inside the inn to tell Rita goodbye and grab another sack of carrots for the trip. Senka would need frequent breaks.

Laughter and snickering trickle from the other side of the building. Two males take shelter under the doorway, escaping the dripping weather. Senka doesn’t seem bothered, but Azriel feels the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Tapping into his shadows, he extends his hearing, listening to their muted conversation.

”Do you think she’s a good fuck or would she slice your dick off after you’ve stuck it in her?”

Azriel’s blood freezes. The vulgarity is shocking. His hands fist at his sides.

“They say she doesn’t even like males.”

”Pft. Females like that are always grateful for it,” the first voice continues, slurring their words. “No one is seriously interested in a girl like that. Damaged goods. She’ll likely take what she can get.”

More laughter and a coughing whisper that Azriel nearly misses.

”I mean, it’s gotta be why she’s with that Illyrian, right? Who’d want a monster like that in their bed? Did you see the fuckers hands?”

”Let’s ask him.”

”Hey, bat boy, my friends and I were wondering-“ the bigger of the two steps further into the stables. Azriel’s shadows pull up and around his neck and ears, ready to strike. “Do you still have a dick left? You know, after fuckin her?”

It’s nothing like that, Azriel thinks, glancing over at Senka who’s watching him with those big glassy eyes. The fae laugh, cold and cruel and Azriel realizes he spoke aloud.

”Is the rest of you scarred like that?” Another continues. “Is that why she doesn’t fuck you then? Look at me when I’m talking, boy.”

Azriel’s vision begins to go black. Shadows snap and coalesce, a tornado of dark power. Without thinking, he winnows forward, grabbing the male’s wrist, twisting it back into a painful lock. The other looks up in shock, horror draining his face of color - gaze on Azriel’s shadows.

“I don’t think my friend likes your conversation.”

The spymaster steps up from behind him. He hadn’t heard her approach. Her voice was calm, pleasant even. Yet, Azriel was very aware of the threat behind it.

“I think you should rejoin your friends outside,” she continues, covering Azriel’s hand with her own. Fingers skimming along his, she encourages him without words to loosen his hold.

“Oh?” The male fae swaggered, tipping to the side, belligerent and drunk. “Gonna make me?”

Spine straightening, the spymaster stepped between them, shoulders back. At her full height she was taller than the drunk fool.

“Yes,” she replies with that deadly, pleasant voice. The man snorts, bravado running thick, and dismisses her with a wave of her hand.

“Who the fuck do you think you-“

Azriel doesn’t see the spymaster move. In one second the male is there and in the other he is just… not. She was dragging him back outside where his friends were waiting, pale hand at his neck. She smiles down at him, their eyes at the same level. It wasn’t a nice smile. It’s one a wolf might give a sheep before it devours it whole.

”You will not speak to me like some dog bitch,” The spymaster growls through her teeth. The male struggles in her hold, pulling a knife from his belt.

”Gwyn, knife,” Azriel calls, pulling shadow to winnow the short distance.

But the spymaster doesn’t need his help. Before he’s even gathered enough shadow to move, the spymaster pivots, grabbing the knife with her free hand. She twists the male onto his stomach, the bones in his shoulder grinding, and presses him into the dirt floor with her knee pressed against his back. The fae’s dagger clatters to the ground.

“You dare draw steel on me,” the spymaster says. “For what? A chance to continue asking about my sexual prowess?” She shakes her head, hair glinting in the lamp light. “Fucking, boys.”

”Can’t imagine why he thought it was any of his business,” Azriel added, venom lacing his tone. His shadows whipped violently.

“Right,” Gwyn agreed.

A stable hand rushes in, having heard the commotion. Rita, hot on their heels, rushes to where Gwyn holds the male to the ground.

”What should I do with him,” Gwyn asks her as casually as one might inquire about tea time.

“Let me see him,” Rita answered, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring down at the male. Gwyn removes her knee and pushes the fae onto his back with a hard kick.

“Oh, Mother save us,” Rita muttered. “Robin Bailey, yeh’ve been out trapping for the last six months and this is how yeh act the first night back? Isolation is no excuse for yeh shitty behavior.”

She motions for the stable hand to grab the drunkards arm, directing him further to deposit him outside. They watch as he gets thrown unceremoniously out of the stable and into the muddy street. Rita apologizes to them both, hugging Gwyn a final time before heading back to the inn.

“Gwyn,” Azriel drawls slowly once the stable is cleared. “Does that kind of thing happen often?”

”Are you asking about foolish fae picking fights or foolish fae speculating about me sexually?” So she had heard the whole thing. Gwyn meets his gaze evenly. There was no judgement or censure in her tone.

“Both.”

”To answer both then: often enough that it is never surprising, but not so often I worry over it.” She frowns a bit. “I mean, fae history is rich in female warriors. The Valkyries are renowned, even now. No matter where I go, though, some asshole needs to tell me their shitty opinion, or gets mad that I’m not interested in fucking his unwashed, unappealing ass.“ She blinks, covering her mouth and looking up at him aghast. “I’m sorry,” she says muffled behind her hand.

Azriel was rather stuck on the way she’d said fuck. One day he would withstand her presence without blushing.

Today was not that day.

”Not offended,” he corrects. “And you can handle yourself, clearly.”

”You’re not wrong, Az,” she says with a smile, dropping her hand. “Though I’m glad to have the company this time around. So, where are we headed? Were you able to track the first book?”

”Yes,” Azriel affirms.

He slips the paper from his sack that lists their targets. He hadn’t been able to sleep the night before. For reasons beyond his understanding, his shadows had been fascinated by Gwyn’s breathing, matching her pace with sleepy undulation. Azriel had been far to focused on the little noises she’d made.

Without the need of instruction, because they were that in tune, his shadows opened, spreading wide their dark umber across Prythia. Azriel was cautious not to overstretch himself, focusing his intent on the last location Gwyn had identified.

Last night he’d done some looking, his shadows identifying leads that would point them towards the first book on the list - an ancient, out of print bestiary of magical creatures. Many believed the book to be nothing but fantasy, but there were others who felt it documented creatures of Prythia that no longer existed or had been chartered off to other worlds.

The second book on the list, The Many Worlds, a text he knew well. It was a manuscript that was hard to forget. He’d copied it a few times - illuminated margins with graphic depictions of realm-crossing war, and terrible violence of ancient, uniting weapons - and hope of universal peace.

He was well aware of its rarity. Most copies had been destroyed. On the black markets it fetched an impossible amount, the rewards offered by the wealthiest, and morally questionable of the fae.

“Alright,” he says finally, pulling his focus back to Gwyn. “We’ll go book by book, starting at the top. I can give you a general location of each new lead based on the last known whereabouts. As we learn, the location should become more precise. I’ll take notes as we go.”

”Oh,” Gwyn says without a detectable level of hesitation. “Good. My handwriting is awful.” She blushes, eyes rushing to his as if she hadn’t meant to be so transparent.

It was the first time he’d pushed his shadows to such distances. The first time he’d attempted it, his focus had caught on everything, a jumble of noise and movement that had overwhelmed him. So, he’d mostly kept his practice to the temples and always on his mother.

“I can also confirm your suspicions were correct,” he tells her. “The Three: Harp, Cauldron, and Sword made it to the Court of Nightmares, just not the library.”

”Good to know,” Gwyn acknowledges with a frown. “I’d planned for us to tackle the hardest first, so, as you say, from the top. That means Illyria will be our first stop.” Azriel nods in agreement.

“The others,” he continues, “A Recount of the Great War, the Valkyrie’s Great War Tome - is also in Illyria. The remaining volumes are scattered in areas outside the Night Court, even as far as the human lands. There is one though,” Azriel mentions, tone dark, “that I cannot seem to…” He pauses, unsure how to describe it. “I can’t see it.”

In fact, when he’d pushed, it had felt like running straight into a stone wall, face first. Not only could he not see it, hear it, but it seemed to repel him away. He’d never felt anything like it. Never had it seemed possible there was a darkness greater than his own.

“I assume that doesn’t happen often,” Gwyn admits, tapping a finger against her bottom lip. “As I’m sure you are aware, these are not normal books we hunt. It does not surprise me that it might get tricky.”

”Is there anything in particular you need to tell me?” He asks her, still troubled over not having exact clarity on all the locations. “Would there be a reason to hide them, Gwyn?”

”Yes,” she admits with a tilt of her head. “Amaranths used Hyberns armies to destroy our ancient artifacts. These tomes could help us answer some recent occurrences,” to this she adds more, “so, in short, yes, there would be reason, especially if they knew the High Lord of the Night Court was seeking them in earnest. I will also say that we are likely not the only ones looking.”

”How long will it take to get to Illyria?” Azriel looks briefly at the sky.

“A few days, so that we don’t push Senka too hard. Nor you,” she added with a smile.

“We could make it in less time if I held you,” Azriel amended.

”Eager to have me in your arms again, shadowsinger?” Gwyn teases, her mouth twisting into a feral smile. Azriel swallowed loudly.

”I would never deny you,” he answered with a blush. “I don’t mean any offense.”

”None taken,” she says, a glow blossoming in her cheeks. “I’m sure you hate me for not asking permission to fly with you the other day.”

”I could never,” Azriel protests, pushing the list of books back into his sack along with his notebooks and pens.

“Ha!” Gwyn wags an admonishing finger at him before turning to Senak.

Cauldron, she was wonderful. Funny and kind in a way he’d never imagined. Shaking himself from her spell, realizing he was staring with what one might call a goofy smile upon his face, he acknowledged he was normally better about hiding his emotions - but the spymaster seemed to shatter all his preconceived notions even about himself.

“I have a hypothetical,” Gwyn says.

”Go on,” Azriel replies.

”If we were to get separated, could you find me?”

”Theoretically,” Azriel pondered. “I would need to listen, observe the location. Not sure that would help you if, say, you decided to poof into thin air.”

”Well,” she surmised with a well humored snort, “I don’t go poof - though Emerie has often accused me of being likely to self implode.” She stops herself, blushing again at her inability to over share in his presence. “Could you attune an item? If I kept it on me, would you be able to find me wherever I poof off to?”

”Yes,” Azriel agreed with another nod, fighting back a smile. “I would think that would be more accurate and efficient. Though if you lost the item, or it was taken from you, it wouldn’t help me at all.”

”Semantics,” Gwyn replied with a wave of her hand. “Do you have anything that might work for the sake of our experiment?”

Azriel gave it a considerable amount of thought. He did have one thing, but it was hardly appropriate for the task and he’d rather not think back on the why’s and how’s he’d ended up with it.

Just give it to her, shadows rumbled, vibrating against his skin. It will make her smile.

“I do have this one thing,” Azriel said sheepishly, rubbing a hand at the back of his neck. Gwyn smiles with infinite patience. Huffing a sigh, the shadowsinger opened his bag and dug into his personal belongings, the ones he’d gathered from the Tower before they’d left.

For a brief moment, Azriel considered using any other item. The knife wasn’t one to give away, and she had plenty. He didn’t want to give her his favorite book as it had his inner thoughts written in the margins and she didn’t need to read all that. He’d rather not let go of his mother’s letters… He signed, grabbing the small trinket box and handing it to Gwyn in defeat.

She glances between the small parcel in his hands and his face. Azriel swallows, inexplicably nervous, and places the box in her waiting hands. Her skin is warm in the brief moment their fingers touch.

It seems so comical to be so nervous about something that had nothing to do with her. As Gwyn glances down from him to the box in her hands, Azriel can’t help but recall the reasons he had it in the first place.

A year ago or so, he couldn’t be precise, the High Lady’s sister had come to the tower to inquire about tonics for pain. Azriel had seen her from the library window, standing in the stark, bright sunlight as if the giant star wished to show off her beauty.

He’d thought about her often. What might she be like? What was her favorite book? How would she react if he pulled her into one of the Towers many hidden crevices and kissed her? Tasted her? Needless to say, he’d pleasured himself many a night to such fantasies but it had never been more than that. Fantasy.

Until he’d gone and done something foolish. On the last Winter Solstice he’d bought her a gift. He’d been picking up supplies for the library when it had caught his eye, hanging in a shop window, catching and throwing light.

And what did you think you would accomplish, giving a high fae, lady of the court, beloved by the Cauldron a thing like that - he’d once chided himself. Yet he’d fantasized proclaiming his love, giving her his gift as she fell gracefully into his arms. Her mate would have to be removed from the picture, of course, but of that Azriel was sure he’d have no troubles.

Fantasy, his shadows echoed.

Don’t I know that, Azriel mused internally. His nerves got the better of him and he found himself over explaining the entire thing to the curious spymaster.

“I bought it for a fae who once came to the Tower from time to time. Perhaps I misread things a bit. She refused it, left it behind after I’d tried-“

”Az.”

Gwyn’s firm voice cuts into his babble and he shuts his mouth with a snap. She’s opened the box and is holding the necklace up in front of her. Lamplight from the stables lanterns spark on the stained glass pendent, set in gold, the shape of a rose. It’s the same color that blossoms in her cheeks as she cups her hand around the delicate trinket. Her smile is small, private, as she tilts her had this way and that, watching as it catches the light. She looks up at him through long lashes and Azriel’s heart twists in his chest.

“It’s beautiful, Azriel. Are you sure I can have it?”

He swallows. It’s all he has to give and yet he’d give her gifts over and over to see that look on her face again. Azriel nods, watching, transfixed, as she clasps the chain around her neck, settling the pendant just below her collarbones. Her fingers trace its shape.

Azriel stares at the pendant and where it rests against her skin. She was wearing something of his and it was burning up his mind in ways he didn’t want to contemplate. Even his shadows seemed tense with anticipation.

“Oh,” Gwyn beams, pulling a piece of paper from the back pocket of her trousers. “I am supposed to offer you this, on behalf of the High Lord, yadda yadda, politics and all that.”

At first glance, it looks like a legal document and Azriel is immediately confused. As his gaze wanders over the paper, his printed name gives him pause. What was this? He squeezes his eyes shut, takes a deep breath, and then opens them to read over the finely written script a second time.

This couldn’t be right. Azriel looked at the spymaster and couldn’t think of what to say.

“What is this?” He barely manages to whisper.

“It’s your contract, Az,” Gwyn says simply. “You work with me, which means you work for our High Lord and Rhys is always gracious and generous.” She touches the necklace again and he can’t help but wonder at how easily he’d given it to her and for the most arbitrary reasons. He would do it again in a wings beat. “You may always remain a priest if you wish, your life is entirely yours. Now you just get paid a lot of money.”

”Why?” The word bursts forth before he can stop it.

“Well, you’re a shadowsinger, the obvious doesn’t need to be said,” she replies warmly. “But, also, you look at me like a fae and not a scary monster - and because you gave me flower even though you had no reason to.”

”Gwyn,” he says quietly and as steadily as he can muster, shadows dancing to catch her gaze. “I’m glad you chose me.”

Reaching forward, Gwyn squeezes her fingers around his. She smiles, and he’s once again blinded by the spymaster’s beauty - bright and warm as flame.

#gwynriel #ao3fic #gwyneth berdara #azriel shadowsinger #azriel x gwyn #role reversal au

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theladyofbloodshed · 1 year

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I support anyone who ships Gwynriel even though I'm neutral on the shipd. (Honestly, I just despise Elriel and prefer Elucien. Something about Elriel feels wrong to me but that's another discussion). However, I don't think Azriel deserves Gwyn and I hate how everyone has to be paired off ALL THE TIME. Ever since her traumatic experience Gwyn has been stuck in the library. She deserves time to find herself (outside of the library and with her friends) before starting a relationship. I also hate how she became another sword girl along with Nesta and Emerie (why do we need so many sword girls?? we don't!) I know that Azriel and Gwyn are the most likely to be paired up and I hate it (for Gwyn's not the ship itself). Leave Gwyn alone, let her flourish on her own or with her friends.

I agree that I don't like how everybody has to be coupled up. It happened in ToG, it is happening in ACOTAR, and will happen here. It's one of the reasons that I am very anti-Emorie because they're just not a good match but oh look they both like women, pair them together because that's the only thing they have in common.

I think Gwyn definitely needs time to recover and that should not be through a sexually-charged innuendo-laced conversation whilst training with Azriel which is SJM's go to way of starting a relationship. If Gwynriel will happen, I'd love it if Azriel actually spent time doing HER hobby, learning about her research, falling in love with her when she gets excited to tell him what ancient tome she has found that day, or being happy to make friendship bracelets with her.

I do find something very beautiful in the fact that Azriel saved Gwyn so she likely saw him covered in blood and terrifying (Keir cringes from him and I think Beron or Eris? Even Lucien says he's intimidating when he has to speak to him) but she isn't at all scared of him. In fact, she teases him. That's probably the thing that wins me around about those two.

I love the term "sword girl" bestie. I hope Gwyn stays as a pegasus girl though and is just utterly obsessed with horses/unicorns/pegasi. I agree though, although I love the Valkyries, it would be better if they just wanted to do some meditation, hang out and read books, and have cute sleepovers. No more sword girls. Society has moved past the point of the female characters giving up all of their hobbies to train with a sword to please the male character.

#anon asks

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snowboyclarkov · 1 year

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Beyblade 30 Day Challenge - Day 17

Question - Favourite battle?

Metal Saga answer: Julian vs Gingka. Julian's entrance was epic, with the light shining on him, and I found myself chanting "Konzern! Konzern! Konzern! Konzern! Konzern! Konzern! Konzern!" with the crowd. The backing Excalibur gave Julian and the dialogue between the opposing bladers. It was clear Gingka had learnt from past experience and was using his newfound knowledge to battle Julian, yet it was quickly apparent that Julian was not going lightly as Destroyer turned the tables and started overpowering Pegasus. When Gingka started to uncover Pegasus' true potential in its insane speed to defy gravity from Eyes of Medusa (shocking and possibly scaring Julian), it seemed actually feasible and not 'bey spirit' nonsense. Even still, all it really did was force Julian to unleash his true power and Black Excalibur made Starbooster Attack look downright weak. With Destroyer towering over and staring down at his opponent, at this rate he really was living up to his nickname as The Emperor, if Pegasus got hit even once more by the Jet Black Sword it was all over. Gingka refused to give in even as Julian implored him to and when he remembered Ryuga's words, he combined the speed of Pegasus with the wings of the flying horse (fusion wheel + performance tip combined) to quite literally have Pegasus fly into space and come crashing down with a bunch of other meteor-esque blasts too, the main one formed by Pegasus. This was Stardust Driver, and it was the true full power of Gingka earned through mental training, physical experience and struggle. A wonderful time to discover full potential, and overcome the hero's sword to hand the rich kid his first ever defeat shattering the Excalibur bubble. Topsy turvy, very fun.

Burst answer: Dante vs Gwyn. Master Dragon in hand. Dante asking Gwyn not to hate him because he really likes him, much to Gwyn's shock as he realizes Dante probably thinks Gwyn sees him as a friend like vice versa was nice. Even better was when it was made blatantly clear that this battle was going to be one big "Thanks for everything Gwyn! Love from Dante (insert picture of a dragon here)." was just plain wholesome and though Gwyn entered denial, Genesis called bollocks and after it reassured its blader where to find the answer, Gwyn finally admitted that he wanted to battle Dante since the day they met. Battle begins, Genesis starts strong but Dragon comes back, Gwyn starts to find he's having fun and calls a new move to perform a ridiculous combo, but Dante enters Hyper Flux and matches Gwyn blow for blow as he further awakens to his answer. With Delta and Arman behind him, Dante enters Rainbow Flux to which Gwyn enters Superior Flux. They end up in a light blue/white space, the Victories members appearing in front of and to the sides in Gwyn's domain via rainbow flashes, Delta and Arman praising Gwyn's skill as a blader while Dante tells him that giving it everything is fun. The white haired prodigy upon hearing this and seeing them so positive makes him see what beyblade really means to them, and he, much to my joy, finds his answer - what it truly means to beyblade, and to have a friend. Cue the most adorable Gwyn smile ever. Ultimate Upper vs Superior Eclipse, Genesis emitting the sparkling sounds that remind me of Land of the Lustrous which is always a good thing, when Genesis can be heard slowly increasing its screaming pitch and effort. Followed by Dragon's roar as it performs a miracle and bursts the beginning bey. Dante has won, but Gwyn is the true winner from a mental standpoint as "finally... I've found the answer". Emotional rollercoaster. This battle serves as the basis for the crucial "you're allowed to be you" turning point of my main OC. That's how much I love it. Relating to Gwyn helps.

#Beyblade 30 Day Challenge #Beyblade Metal Saga #Beyblade Burst #Gingka Hagane #Julian Konzern #Dante Koryu #Gwyn Reynolds

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glossamerfaerie · 28 days

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One of my favorite theories is that every couple will make a bargain during their book and have a temporary tattoo. It seems like a SJM move — physical manifestation connecting two mates, great source of tension, fun tattoo shape with unknown implications until much later…

Feysand

Bargain: Rhys heals Feyre in exchange for her living at the Night Court for one week every month. This effectively kickstarts the plot in ACOMAF.

Tattoo: an eye on Feyre’s palm, lots of swirls and flower designs on her left hand

(In this house we do not mention the other bargain these two idiots make)

***

Nessian

Bargain: Cassian owes Nesta a favor if she trains for an hour. She cashes in on the favor after their argument by the Sidra, asking him to leave her alone until the morning. This unintentionally leads Nesta and Gwyn to spend the night at Emerie’s house, where they’re knocked out and brought into the Blood Rite against their will.

Tattoo: eight-pointed star on their backs (foreshadowing Nesta’s future meeting with Bryce and visit to the Prison to learn about the Daglan. Bryce also thinks that the tattoo’s placement means that Nesta is destined for other things — it’s why she hands over Gwydion.

***

[chaotic speculation ahead]

Gwynriel

Bargain: I honestly have no idea… they’re friends after the Blood Rite, so it’s not like Rhys or Cassian needing to force their mates to spend time with them. Maybe something related to helping Gwyn grow acclimated to Velaris? Az promising to protect her during a mission? In my wildest dreams, it’s a sex bargain where Az offers Lessons in Intimacy. Alas, SJM has no imagination whatsoever. I do think it’ll have 3rd act implications but I’m not smart enough to figure out what it is.

Tattoo: a Pegasus. A ribbon. Wings. Something that looks/fits like a friendship bracelet. Idk. Whatever it is, I hope it’s highly embarrassing to Azriel’s spymaster broody reputation and is visible for everyone to see. It definitely shouldn’t be something cool like a sword or weapon. 😂 The tattoo needs to cause ENDLESS teasing from everyone.

***

Elucien

Bargain: this is so hard to predict… I have a feeling that 1) this book will not be set in the Night Court and 2) Elain and Lucien will be reluctant/accidental travelers. Don’t ask me why or where, lol. And maybe to combat the awkwardness of the situation, Lucien asks whether they can be friends, swearing to never mention the mating bond unless Elain wishes to speak of it. 🥹 That way, they’re finally free to converse without that topic looming in the distance.

Tattoo: a flower but NOT a rose (I maintain that Elain’s favorites aren’t roses). A fallen leaf. Flames. The sunrise. I also do not have an imagination so I should drop dragging SJM for her lack of one. 🤣

***

What do you think? What kinds of tattoos and bargains would you like to see Gwynriel and Elucien make?

#my acotar theories #gwynriel #nessian #elucien #feysand #hofas spoilers

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flowerflamestars · 3 years

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your heart, as it was then, will be on fire Snippet

“Monster blood in my veins, Archeron, didn’t you say it? If I lose sight, if I lose my way, if I ever hurt you- promise me you’ll bury that knife in my chest.” “Are you planning,” Nesta hissed, acid over the tempo of her heart, “On having some kind of break down, because”- Eris laughed, as falsely hollow as his eyes. “On the contrary, I want forever. I want what I told you I wanted- this life a dance that never ends, a match by my side, not temperance or balance or softness. I want to run beneath the moon with you, and know the death of the year is coming. I want to be in step. I want an eternity so long and tangled and difficult I never grow cruel in boredom or see my father’s face in the mirror.” No snarl in the words, no growl of faery power- the more he felt, the truer Eris spoke, the quieter he became, whispered words burning in the air. Nesta tipped her head back, and looked full on the Lord of Autumn. “When you told me that, it was a marriage proposal.” His mouth twisted, a flash of white. “Surely you know.” Nesta knew. Nesta knew it the second he’d run, run out of a forest at his youngest brother’s behest. When he’d healed Emerie’s wings. When he’d painted her face in Beron’s blood and stood unflinching as she called monsters of legend from beneath the ground, out into the sky. “No,” Nesta lied, light, lovely, “Tell me.” He swallowed, a true, unhidden tell. “You must know. It could only be by your hand. Only you, were I lost. You, who would know truly. You- who- Nesta Archeron, it must be you, because that heart you wouldn’t hesitate to carve out bloody is already yours.”

#fix-it fic #guys...it go very sexy by accident?#just VERY BRIEFLY POPPING IN #I will answer messages tomorrow but please know I love you all and this insane au is coming together FAST #nothing quicker than me armed with spite apparently #I don't even really ship this in canon #because Eris Big Trash in most of canon #but it is..uhhh #REALLY WORKING IN THIS WORLD?#who needs canon?#Gwyn has a pegasus friend #Nesta is a goddess #Emerie is FLYING #and Autumn is basically a refuge for ladies #now that beron and co are very dead #somewhere twenty miles in the background #Lucien: I CANNOT BELIEVE I HAVE TO TAKE OVER SPRING NOW #TO HELP MY STUPID #NOT ACTUALLY EVIL BROTHER #I CANNOT-#Jurian #with his head in Vassa's lap: literally no one asked you to babe #Vassa: but I like it! His wife is the awesome #Lucien taking deep breaths: THEY'RE NOT EVEN MARRIED #THEY'RE JUST LIKE THAT-#AND OBVIOUSLY THEY NEED HELP!#I'm sorry i'm very slow at replies right now #more soon!

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houseofhurricane · 2 years

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art by @carol-pisarro | fic by @houseofhurricane

Gwyn is losing the battle, but she has a secret weapon.

Somehow she manages to get out from under Nesta and Emerie's pillows, and she races through the House of Wind, sprinting for the sanctuary of her bedroom, where she's hidden her weapon of last resort: the pillow that houses her diary, thick and leather-bound and filled with all her secret thoughts. It's a weapon of last resort, a high risk, but Gwyn is losing the pillow fight badly and she's desperate.

She's only a few steps ahead of Nesta and Emerie when she reaches her door, and she flings it open in her haste.

For a moment, tearing into the room, focused on her pillow, Gwyn doesn't realize that there are candles lit on every surface, that the air carries the scent of cedar and mist, the petals of new roses.

She's still so focused on the pillow that the first thing she sees is the head resting on it. Azriel's head, his hazel eyes lighting up, his lips curving into a smile that's equal parts glad and sensual.

Then, as Emerie and Nesta tumble into the room after her, Gwyn realizes that Azriel is completely naked. That he'd arranged himself to invite her perusal.

Instead, Gwyn can feel her friends staring as Azriel swiftly pulls Gwyn's quilt over his body, his muscles rippling with the motion. Dimly, Gwyn realizes that her cheeks are flushed crimson, that her thighs clench at the sight of him, the place where the tented fabric reveals he feels the same desire as she does.

"I thought you wouldn't be home until tomorrow," she says. The words come out a squeak. She can only guess at the expressions on Nesta and Emerie's faces, and she's very aware of her ridiculous pajamas, with pegasus wings and a unicorn's horn, a gift from the House.

"I wanted to surprise you." His bronze cheeks are flushed.

"Gwyn is definitely surprised," Emerie offers, a smirk in her voice. "But I suspected a few things. A few big things."

"We're also very impressed with the surprise, Az," Nesta adds, smug as an empress.

Gwyn resists the urge to hide her face in her hands. Instead, she thinks like the spy she is training to become.

So rather than running from the room, she makes a bold offensive maneuver, striding towards her bed and launching herself at Azriel. When she captures his lips against her own, she doesn't hold back the moan that rises in her. The taste of him, the warmth, it's all better than she remembered during his absence the past few weeks.

Still, even as she surrenders herself to the kiss, feels Azriel's shock give way to need, Gwyn is keenly aware that neither of her so-called friends have left the room.

She pulls herself away from Azriel and turns to them, hands on her hips.

"Are you hoping to join us?" she forces herself to drawl, all false bravado.

Nesta looks like she's considering it, but Emerie pulls her out of the room, winking just before she closes the door.

"We'll let you enjoy the big surprise," she says.

Gwyn can hear their snickering through the door, but she turns back to Azriel and pulls down the quilt. Around them, the scent of scattered rose petals rises.

"I'm glad you're here," she says, drinking in the sight of him, all lean muscle and intricate tattoos, those hazel eyes that have darkened with desire. He rests his hands on her hips and pulls her closer. "I'm sorry about that. I'm sure Cassian will tease you about it."

"Not if Nesta is accurate in her retelling," he says, smiling as he pulls her down towards him. "In fact, I think she might be a little jealous of you, love."

Gwyn only smiles at him. All the stress of the past month melts away. Azriel is here, safe and naked in her bed, looking at her as if she were made of something very precious.

"Want to make her more jealous?" she asks, reaching for the buttons on her pajamas.

"I have plans to do a lot more than that."

He reaches out and hooks his fingers on the elastic of her pajama bottoms, then pulls her onto the bed with him, fitted against his own naked body.

"I missed you," he says against the column of her throat, his fingers running over her skin, making her blood pound with her rising need.

She reaches her hand out for his cock, circling it with her thumb.

"I know," she says, and it's the last coherent word that escapes her lips for quite a while.

#gwynriel #gwynriel fanart #gwynriel fic #gwynriel week 2022 #gwyn x azriel #azriel x gwyn #acosf #acotar #acotar fanart #acotar fanfiction #carol is our watercolor queen #this is a dream collaboration for me #valkyries #nesta archeron #emerie #valkyries fanart #house of wind sleepover #gwyn's pajamas are everything

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daevastanner · 2 years

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Gwynriel Prompt:

Gwyn: if someone gave me a puppy, I'll sleep with them.

Pretty pwease 🥺👉👈🥺

Alright so I’m basing this drabble off of a headcanon I have that Azriel and Gwyn have a friendship where he consults with her about his love life… at first 🌚

Gwynriel “What it Would Take” pt I Drabble

“Tell me everything then,” Gwyn said, laying down on her stomach on the training ring floor. She propped her elbows up, resting her chin on her fists, her curtain of coppery hair shining in the moonlight.

Still sharpening his dagger on his knee, Azriel exhaled. “Nothing has changed since we last talked about this.”

Gwyn arched a brow. “Even after being frank with her about your affections?”

“I said exactly what we discussed,” Azriel nodded. “I told Elain that I wanted our relationship to grow, but that isn’t possible if we don’t put in a little effort.”

“And what did she say?” Gwyn asked.

“She said she was willing to try and then she…” Heat bloomed in his cheeks at the memory. “Then she kissed me and I decided to be a little… bold. I touched her hip and then she pulled away.”

Gwyn��s brows furrowed, and Azriel nearly snorted at how serious her expression was. It was just flirting, but the priestess was approaching this matter with a very strategic eye. It reminded him of the faces he would make when making recon plans.

“And you’re sure you were completely alone in the garden? No one could have been watching? Because that could be why she retreated.”

“Everyone was gone,” Azriel clarified, limply tossing his whetstone aside. He admired the sharpness of Truth-Teller’s blade. “It was only the two of us.”

“Hm,” Gwyn hummed contemplatively. “Well, try being honest again. About what you want. Tell her you want to sleep together.”

Azriel fumbled with the blade. The casualness with which Gwyn made such a suggestion startled him, a laugh, full-bodied and loud, shook his chest. Gwyn smirked at him, that charming irreverence he admired making her teal eyes sparkle.

“And you think that will make her want to sleep with me? Just telling her that I’d like it?”

“I dunno,” Gwyn admitted. “What would convince you to sleep with someone?”

Azriel’s brows shot up. He decided to sheath his dagger because at this rate, Gwyn’s candor was going to cause him to injure himself with his own blade.

She angled her head at him, waiting for a response.

Azriel cleared his throat, sitting forward on the bench and resting his elbows on his knees. “I suppose… all it would take would be their expressing interest. Sex isn’t something that I approach with… too much thought. It’s just sex.”

He watched the skin beneath her freckles turn pink, but did his best to hide his amusement. He wondered what the cause of her blushing was? They were just two friends having a casual discussion about sex.

“What about you, Berdara?” he asked curiously. “What would it take for you?”

Her expression turned thoughtful, a reaction that didn’t surprise him. Nor would it have surprised Emerie or Nesta. Gwyn had grown quickly in terms of her willingness to discuss sexuality. Those smutty books had certainly helped. And of course, after discussing one of them with Azriel, she’d fast become aware that it wasn’t an uneasy topic to broach. Likely because Azriel tended to view the act without judgment or expectation.

The edge of Azriel’s lip twitched. “Poetry? Sweet nothings? Flexing some muscles?”

Gwyn didn’t laugh though, only continued to ponder his question. “If someone gave me a puppy I’d sleep with them.”

Azriel’s lips parted in surprise, his brows inching up even higher with amusement. “Gifts then? That’s what it would take? Who knew Gwyneth Berdara’s affections could be bought…”

Gwyn pursed her lips then shook her head. “I take it back. Someone would have to give me a pegasus. Then I’d sleep with them.”

Azriel held her gaze for another moment, then a smile, breathtaking and infectious, spread on her lips.

“There you are,” Gwyn giggled. “Just buy Elain a Pegasus, Shadowsinger. Then she’s all yours.”

The two dissolved into a companionable fit of laughter, the sound echoing off the walls of the vacant training ring.

All the while, the shadowsinger remained oblivious to the fact he was consulting with his mate. All the while, oblivious that his mate knew the truth and was helping him regardless.

Pt II

#gwyneth berdara #gwynriel #gwyn and azriel #gwynriel supremacy #azriel acotar #azriel shadowsinger #acotar fanfiction #ao3 #gwynriel fanfiction #gwynriel fic

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acourtofthought · 6 months

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what are your gwynriel headcanons/expectations for their book? 💙

I think we'll see Az and Gwyn deal with the Illyrians for sure and he'll eventually make peace with them as they'll eventually come around to the idea of and respect female warriors.

I think Gwyn will call Narben from the sea as well as the manuscript / small book Cassian threw in there and the information written in it will be important for them.

I'm thinking maybe Gwyn will tie Az up with his own shadows (since his shadows seem to respond to Gwyn) for their first time together. Not only does it give Gwyn the control in a situation where the control was taken from her but it fits in with what I think SJM might find kinky.

I used to think maybe Az would be into tying people up with his shadows and maybe he did that with the "lovers" he's taken over the years since we know he doesn't like "hand to hand combat" (meaning he doesn't like anyone touching him during sex) but I wonder if he's truly the dominant type in bed when it comes to someone he cares for. His mother was a servant and that's something he's struggled with so I feel like it wouldn't fit his history to demand a female bend to his will. Dominatrix Gwyn could definitely work 😁

I think Gwyn may end up being a cousin of Eris and Lucien's and she'll want to establish a relationship with them (as she has no remaining blood family) and that will cause an uncomfortable setup for Az who thinks neither Eris or Lucien are worth much (also wouldn't it be funny if the tables were turned and Lucien then wonders if AZ is good enough for his family? 😂) . This could also create a bit of conflict between she and Az which I think will be necessary because SJM has never done friends to lovers without them hitting a few bumps along the way.

Complete headcannon but I kind of love the thought of Az (and not Gwyn like Anti's like to claim) being the one SJM spoke of in SF as having one face while secretly hiding another. That his "beautiful" outward appearance hides an actual monster of sorts that comes out around enemies and Gwyn's song will be the thing that brings him back. That she'll have no problem with the monster being let out of the cage so to speak but she can call him back to her when he's about to lose himself.

I do think Gwyn has siren powers that she will use against their enemies. To me, that has nothing to do with her luring others in sexual way and is more along the lines of Rhys and Feyre being able to control others with their daemati powers. (Feyre was able to force Ianthe to pick up a rock and smash her hand so Gwyn being able to use her song to influence others to say, walk off a cliff, is really no different).

I definitely think there's going to be some sort of showdown between Merrill and Gwyn, that maybe Merrill is a bit of a villain that Gwyn will have to bring down but even when she does, it might be too late because by that time Merrill will have reached out to any remaining Asteri on other worlds and that will set up an even bigger threat to the characters of ACOTAR (leading into a multi series battle done in a multi POV beyond the traditional romance spin-offs).

I think Gwyn will suspect their bond first. She's the first full fae SJM has ever had as a possible FMC with a POV (even Aelin was only 1/4 fae) so she probably grew up on stories of the mating bond like Rhys, Cassian, and Az did. Az is so messed up over not having gotten a bond with Mor and realizing that his two brothers got one with two sisters while Lucien (not a brother) got one with the third, that I think he's completely clueless as to what's staring him in the face.

She'll definitely meet Az's mother though I'm not sure if they'll try to convince her to come back to Velaris.

I think they will end up living in the townhouse together.

I think we will eventually see Gwyn / the Valkyries in battle riding Pegasus but before that happens I think someone needs to figure out how to bring back their food source to the island where the Prison sits and figure out the illness that has prevented them from delivering foals (maybe an Elain plot?).

And that's that. 😂 For now at least.

#pro gwynriel #gwynriel #pro gwyneth berdara #azriel x gwyn #gwyn acosf #azriel acotar #acotar theory

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nikethestatue · 2 years

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On the Matter of Charged Glances

An argument that I see very frequently is that there were so few interactions between Azriel and Elain in ACOSF, that nothing could be deduced from them, and there is no ‘development’ between them (everyone’s pet word), and there were so many interactions between Azriel and Gwyn, that it must mean something (foreshadowing/breadcrumbs--another pet word).

But let’s examine this further, for just one second.

Isn’t it curious then, that EVERY time there is an Elriel interaction in ACOSF, someone notices it.

They are together on the page only a handful of times, but from Amren, to Rhys, to Nesta, and even Cassian in his own special way, they all notice something brewing between Azriel and Elain, regardless of that Elriel keep a distance from each other and rarely talk.

Shadows reacting (noticed through Nesta’s eyes):

No one spoke, though shadows gathered in the corners of the room, like snakes preparing to strike.

Amren:

She (Amren) threw a nod towards Azriel. “Including Elain, who is more than capable of defending herself against the darkness...”

Cassian:

Azriel offer her a small smile that Elain quickly looked away from. Cassian tucked away his puzzlement. Lucien was certainly not here to snarl at any male who looked at her for too long.

Nesta:

Nesta met the shadowsinger’s gaze and he gave her a nod. Then his gaze shifted to Elain, and though it was utterly neutral, something charged went though it. Between them, Elain’s breath caught slightly, and she gave him a shallow nod of greeting...

Later

Shadows darkened his eyes, full of enough pain that she couldn’t stop herself from touching his shoulder. Letting him see that she understood why he stood in the doorway, and why he couldn’t go near the fire.

His secret to tell, never hers.

Azriel’s face remained neutral.

(for those who are still arguing, here is an explanation of his emotions from above: Because her mate had been in the family room and Azriel needed to stay by the door the whole time because he couldn’t stand the sight of it, the scent of their mating bond, and needed to have the option of leaving if it became too much.)

Rhys:

Are you out of your mind?...

...I am talking about you, about to kiss Elain, in the middle of a hall where anyone could see you...Including her mate.

So, with Elain’s very sporadic appearances throughout the book, we, nevertheless, have a bunch of people noticing something about her and Azriel. Even without ‘development’.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have Gwyn, who appears every other page in the book, and is observed by at least 3 people constantly--Nesta, Emerie and Cassian, during training and outside of it. Isn’t it interesting that no one--not the gossipy, observant Emerie, who noticed Cassian and Nesta’s romance in about 26 seconds, nor the very observant Nesta, who lives with Azriel and has Gwyn as her best friend (aka, she can read both pretty well), nor Cassian, who sees and trains Gwyn on the daily and who’s known Azriel for 530 years, happen to comment, hint, question, or wonder about Gwyn and Azriel. All those supposedly intense gazes, looks, observations, etc. and none have been pegged by ANY of them as romantic?

Emerie, Nesta and Gwyn are spending the night together in some weird adult sleepover, making friendship bracelets, gossiping, eating cake and riding pegasus ponies, and none mentioned anything? Emerie didn’t wink and ask about the ‘handsome shadowsinger’? Nesta didn’t notice anything that would indicate mutual interest between Gwyn and Azriel? Yet, she sees Elain for the first time in months and is able to pick up on a ‘charged glance’ in a minute?

Never does Nesta, or Cassian for that matter, have a conversation with each other, and say ‘hey, did you notice Az looking at Gwyn all the time?”

And neither does Cassian, who was perfectly comfortable discussing children with Azriel, ever ask him about Gwyn.

Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

#elriel #pro elriel #pro elain archeron #azriel #elain #anti gwy*nriel #acosf

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foxybananaaaz · 2 years

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Proposal

Word Count :: 1.6k

For :: @sjmromanceweek

Nesta walked into the family room alongside Gwyn and Emerie. It had seemed that everyone else had arrived, so there would be no need for waiting as others got here. They had been waiting for her and her friends. She would are sure no one would comment on it. She scanned the room quickly, noticing that Cassian had been talking with her sisters, and deciding she did not want to deal with whatever was going on over there, as Cassian seemed to be getting overwhelmed. She knew how her sisters could be, and she didn’t need to deal with them.

So Nesta stayed with her friends, and they were all now enjoying the evening as time was passing, the last hour fading away. It wasn’t long before the three of them were just laughing.

“When was the last time we all were just having mindless fun like this?” Gwyn had asked, looking towards her friends, smiling.

“This isn’t mindless fun, we are very much being mindful.” Nesta retorted.

“She’s right. It’s not true mindless fun without the houses help. Nesta’s house brings us pegasus’s. Pegasi? Whichever the term is, the house brings the mindless, to the fun.” Emerie added onto Nesta’s statement, smiling.

“And the chocolate cake.” Nesta smiled, just thinking of the chocolate cake the house provided, making her want more.

“It also has a love for those crude romance novels the two of you always read.” Gwyn commented, looking over towards the two of them, with an accusatory glance.

“Oh Gwyn, you love them too!”Emerie answered, with a slight laugh, shaking her head.

“That’s besides the point.” Gwyn had answered, crossing her own arms.

It wasn’t often Gwyn had come out, especially to her sisters family gatherings, but when she did, and with Emerie as well, it had made the evenings so much easier for Nesta. There were people who had truly wanted to be around Nesta for who she was, good and bad, everything. She hadn’t gotten used to it, but she loved it.

Looking down at the bracelet on her wrist, she smiled softly, as Gwyn and Emerie continued on.

“Come up to the house tonight.” Nesta said, looking between her two friends, her sisters by choice. “It has been so long since we have had a true sleep over. The last one…” Nesta had trailed off into a moments silence there. The three of the knowing exactly how the last one went. With Nesta’s heart broken, and then kidnapped to participate in the Blood Rite. “It’s been months since we’ve had a true, fun sleep over.” Nesta asked with hope her friends would.

“Alright.” Emerie had answered. “Sounds like a great idea.”

“Sure! Because its sure to annoy Cassian. You’re not a trophy, but he seems to enjoy teasing Emerie and I like he’s the one who’s won you. It will remind him who loved you first. Friends come first.” Gwyn added, in a slightly competitive tone, before wincing back slightly. “Sorry Emerie.” She added in a whisper.

“Don’t worry about it. I agree with you. Cassian’s been getting far too annoying about it lately.” Emerie responded with nothing than the smallest wince.

“What have I been getting far too annoying about?” A voice came up from behind the trio, and though Nesta wanted to just offer her mate a smile, she decided to let him grovel a bit, as she turned around to look at him.

“I am not a trophy.” Was the only thing Nesta had said, with the slightest bit of narrowing her eyes, and allowing a chill to enter her voice. She was slightly pleased at the stunned reaction on her mates face, as she watched. A hush had slowly spread across the room.

“I, I don’t know what you mean.” Cassian had responded, looking back towards her, clearly he hadn’t prepared for a sparing match with her.

“You have not won me. I am not a trophy.” Nesta stated again, falling into habit, as she lifted her face, and looked down her nose at him.

“I know that.” Cassian responded.

After feeling the tension rise in the room, Nesta simply looked back to her friends, seeing them looking to her, before Nesta nodded towards them, and then almost as if that nod had hidden a secret silent message, the three have then smiled far to largely, and far too innocently.

“Then please stop acting as though I’m a trophy you’ve won when with my friends. Alright, sweetheart?” Nesta spoke with a far to false sweetness in her voice as she got on her tip toes, needing to pull his face down the rest of the way, so she could kiss his cheek, pulling back with her still clearly fake too innocent smile.

The room seemed to have lost the tension, though everyone seemed to be far more disturbed by this kind, innocent, sweet facade image that Nesta was portraying.

Cassian had just stood there, staring at her, before he spoke. “There’s never going to be a dull moment with you, is there?” He asked, as though he knew the answer, and didn’t care.

But it was Gwyn who answered. “No. There isn’t. It’s how she is.” She said.

“It’s why we love her.” Emerie added on.

“You’re right about that.” Cassian had answered Nesta’s friends, though had not looked anywhere but her. It was still silent in the room, and everyone looking to the small group. Suddenly, Nesta watched as Gwyn and Emerie walked around to go find somewhere to sit, trying to keep their faces hidden as they both looked at each other. She could see the smiles though, and she narrowed her eyes.

“What’s going on?” Nesta asked, quietly, slowly starting to feel panic rising. What had he talked to her sisters about? She didn’t think she had done anything wrong. Were they going to actually send her away? Was this dinner a ploy to get her here, so they could send her away, and-

“Nesta, relax. You are working yourself up. Relax.” Cassian had come up to her, placed his hand on her arm, and his hazel eyes looked down into her own blue eyes. “Nothing’s going to happen to you.” He whispered to her, calmly, looking down to her.

“What’s going on?” Nesta asked again, enunciating each word, her nerves still there, especially as everyone was there, watching them.

Nesta remained still, as her mate gently took her face in his hands, giving her a very gentle kiss, just gentle enough to finish calming her down, before he pulled back.

Nesta stood there, watching as he had pulled back, and moved his hands down so that he would be holding her own hands in his as he spoke. Her focus solely on him now.

“You told me months ago, that you originally had not wanted to acknowledge the mating bond, because it felt like giving up the last piece of your humanity. It felt like you would no longer have any claim on your once human life any longer. I didn’t understand it then, until you had put it all aside, and had a mating ceremony with me, willingly, wanting to. I’ve been thinking about what you’ve said though, since. Somethings been bothering me.” Cassian started, looking nowhere but Nesta’s eyes, keeping her attention on him, so her panic would not rise again.

“I’ve been speaking to your sisters about it, and they’ve been helping me, so I can give you the sense of something to remind you of your human past, even though you are not a human any longer. Please remember, I have no idea how to properly do this, and your sisters told me how earlier, but I’ve completely forgotten now that I’m standing here actually about to do it. But I know I want to do it for you, just like you went through the Mating Ceremony.” Cassian continued, closing his eyes, taking a deep breath.

“The way fae do this is different. There is no jewellery, just the mixture of scents, no grand ceremony just a small gathering. But for you, I want the most. So, Nesta Archeron,” Cassian paused for simply a moment, as he briefly dropped her hands, to grab something out of his pocket, a flat wide box. “We’ve done this the fae way. Now would you, no, it’s…”

Cassian had closed his eyes, collecting his thoughts, before opening them again, looking at Nesta. “Nesta Archeron, will you marry me the human way now?” He had asked her, before opening the box to reveal a ring, as well as a matching hair comb. “The hair comb is for when you train, or are needed for battle, which I hope doesn’t ever need to happen. But it will hold your hair up the way you prefer. Your sisters helped me find it.” Cassian had started rambling on as soon as the question had been asked, not giving Nesta a chance to answer. “Fuck, I forgot to kneel, do you want me to do it again? I can do it again. Your sisters said it was important to kneel, that it was tradit-”

Cassian ended up getting cut off as Nesta hugged him. Hugging wasn’t something she had normally done, so the fact that she had done so, showed how much more this had meant to her, expressed far more love than a kiss would. Unable to find words, or her voice, she simply nodded. She nodded against her mates chest as he wrapped is arms around her, returning her hug.

This had probably one of the most thoughtful gestures anyone had ever given her.

After about fifteen minutes, as Gwyn and Emerie were back at Nestas side, demanding to see the jewellery, Gwyn couldn’t help but ask. “So does this mean there is no sleep over tonight?”

Nesta smiled to her friend. “You both will be coming for a sleep over tonight. We need to celebrate. Cassian can wait.”

The three friends then shared a smile that showed the extent of their friendship.

After Fic Notes ::

So, how was this one? I’m still trying to keep everyone in character while keeping to my writing style. I hope I managed that. I hope this is good, I hope this is well liked, I hope this was enjoyed.

Let me know!

And with this part, I am now caught up to Romance Week!

Who will tomorrows part be about?

#sjmromanceweek #nessian #Nesta Archeron #Cassian acotar #Nesta x Cassian #cassian/Nesta #proposal #gwyneth berdara #emerie acotar #the valkyries

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