#anti blood duel

[bloomingdarkgarden]

We look inside Lucien's canon mind just to learn he applauds refined taste in rugs lol, thinks Azriel is a decent male, really wants to leave the house to just read some damn books, is trying desperately not to wrap Elain in a blanket and feed her soup, swallowing his tea quietly.

god i love that reasonable-ass beautiful ginger fancyboi boots pining in internal misery looking like a snack drinking his earl grey like he doesn't have enough fire in his blood to burn the countryside to smithereens.

#pro lucien vanserra #tasty #lucien vanserra #anti blood duel #elucien #the boys should kiss btw

[crazy-ache]

We are not the same.

Some folks: SJM foreshadowed a blood duel between Azriel and Lucien in the Bonus Chapter to win Elain’s heart/claim his mate.

Me, an intellectual: SJM foreshadowed the blood duel in regard to Lucien because he will use it to save Elain’s life, likely from Beron, because this time he will be powerful enough to stop Jesminda’s fate from repeating itself again.

#elucien #pro elucien #elain x lucien #elucien head canon #anti e/riel #yall this is called a red herring #this is clearly Zuko’s story from ATLA where he was helpless and lost everything to exile by failing to fight his father in a duel #but when faced in a duel again he will prove his power against his horrible dad #Lucien was willing to lay down his life for Feyre his friend #don’t you realize he is going to do the same for his mate? #and he’s going to WIN and save her because there’s no way in hell he will let history repeat itself #especially for his mate #Lucien would never blood duel out of jealousy #he acts with honor and loyalty #yall will see #this is a story of his growth and coming into his own power too and getting justice from his father #and I just know Elain is going to help him in some way #pro lucien vanserra

[starsreminisce]

Let’s face it: if Az and Elain were mates, Az wouldn't have hesitated to eliminate any threats. Elain would not only have to deal with her transformation but also with the fact that her fiancé would be dead by Az's hands.

We've seen Az's ruthlessness firsthand, like when he attacked Eris over a comment on Mor's attire and when he eliminated everyone around Gwyn. Even after 500 years, he still wants to invoke a blood duel against Eris and would see it as a good riddance if Lucien were to eliminate Graysen.

On the other hand, Lucien controls his anger when Graysen is brought up and doesn't react to provocation, relying more on words than actions.

Gwyn represents a fresh start for Az, someone without romantic entanglements and whose first time was taken from her. Az needs someone who doesn't know his history with Mor, just as much as Gwyn needs someone she feels safe around.

It’s not coincidental that Gwyn's first impression of Azriel was him at his worst, and she admires it, grateful for his actions, unlike something she would learn later and have to accept. Gwyn's fascination with violence hints at her compatibility with Azriel.

SJM prioritizes authenticity in relationships, valuing the ability of a couple to be genuine and true to themselves around each other over mere aesthetic appeal.

#elucien #pro elucien #elain x lucien #antie/riel #antielriel #gwynriel #it’s not a flex that Az is confident that he’ll beat Lucien in a blood duel #especially when Elain has shown her aversion to violence #pro gwynriel

[zenkindoflove]

"I want what Elain wants and she wants Azriel"

Is a claim I often see e/riels use to claim why they are "pro Elain" and implying that if you ship Elain with her mate because "she clearly doesn't want him" then you are anti Elain.

So yeah this whole post is why that's bullshit.

First let's get some things straight that we all can agree are facts.

1. Elain had a crush on Azriel. It's clear by their looks and touches and her showing body language that she wanted to kiss him in the bonus chapter. It's unclear whether that crush survived post her tears over his rejection and giving the necklace back as they had no canonical interactions post solstice.

2. Elain does not want to address the bond right now and avoids Lucien. Her feelings about Lucien specifically and what she thinks about the bond are unclear.

Now that we got that out of the way, the assertion that you are the most pro Elain because you ship her with Azriel is quite a stretch. I'm sure you like Elain, as do I, but you do not hold some moral high ground because of who you ship her with.

First, let's discuss the idea that you have to support who Elain wants. People can want all kinds of people who are not right for them for a lot of reasons. It's a common experience for many to want the wrong guy. To have a crush and think they're the best and it'll all work out only to have your heart smashed by the cruel reality that they were wrong for you or didn't want you the way you did. It's also common to hate your friends' boyfriends and husbands because they're assholes despite how much they "want" them.

People's feelings change. Feelings are fickle.

In SJM's canonical world, mating bonds are not.

It makes sense that Elain, after going through her horrible rejection by the man she actually wanted and loved, Graysen, would not be ready to face what having a mate means. I'm sure it felt like infidelity to her, especially if she does desire and feel a pull towards Lucien like every other female with a mating bond has in this series. Her avoidance of Lucien can mean a lot of things, including that she wants him even if she mentally isn't ready or feels she shouldn't.

It also makes sense that she would seek out and find herself in a rebound crush with someone who is in her proximity and is low risk. Azriel doesn't come with the pressure of being her fated soulmate. He's just a dude. A dude who is pretty and paid some attention to her.

So yeah, I get why she wants him. Doesn't mean I think he is right for her.

Why isn't he right for her? To make a long post short, Azriel often undermines Elain. He diminishes her need for help when she's clearly depressed (ACOWAR), and he speaks for her and directly contradicts her wants (ACOSF, scrying). He is entitled to her without merit (the third sister line, bonus). He ignores her wishes to avoid violence and wants to kill people who are important to her (wanting Graysen killed, saying he'd kill Lucien in a blood duel - we know canonically if a mate dies it is like losing half of your soul). He thinks very little of her past his lustful fantasies (bonus chapter) and even to the point of projecting his own self-hatred when he looks at her skin (bonus chapter). Elain is symbolic for him of the thing he covets most (a mate), and his crush on her is a manifestation of his psychological need to pursue unavailable females because of his self worth (friends who will never romantically love him or a female with a mating bond). Basically they are a recipe for a toxic relationship full of avoiding real personal healing.

So yeah sorry, even if Elain wants to kiss him I'm not shipping her with someone like that just because she "wants" it. I would rather see her have a story where she discovers who she is and what being Fae means to her, which means directly addressing not only her powers (hello let her scry) but also addressing her mating bond head on by getting to know the male that she will always have a pull to, no matter if she rejects the bond or not. Elain is a fictional character with a narrative arc. Her wants now will not always stay static.

For me, as someone pro Elain, I want her to give herself a chance at a forever kind of love, one with a soul to soul connection and an eternal devotion. I want her to experience that unconditional love she so desperately craves. I don't want to read her choosing just some regular dude who will probably drop her the second his mating bond snaps anyways. She deserves a mate. Even if she doesn't know or understand that yet.

And quite frankly, I think once Elain does learn not only who Lucien is but the way he thinks about her and how devoted he is to her and only her, she will want him soon enough. I don't ship for characters' frivolous crushes in the now. I ship for their potential with the right person. The person who will see them starving and depressed and worry about their well being rather than what their powers can provide them. Who will hear their vision and cross an ocean because they believe in it. Who will fight across a battlefield just to make sure they're okay. Who will even push down their own needs and wants to give them space because that's what they want right now.

You know what that means though. If you're pro-Elain for wanting what Elain wants, then Lucien is the most pro-Elain person there is. And why wouldn't he be? He is her mate after all, and he will do anything for her.

So yeah, that's who I want for Elain, and I think that makes me pretty pro-Elain too.

#elucien #lucien vanserra #elain archeron #pro elain #pro elain archeron #anti e/riel #anti azriel #pro elucien #elain x lucien

[lunaduskxo]

Antis give me straight up whiplash.

Azriel is disgusting and it’s not “romantic” if he agreed to a blood duel with Lucien

But Azriel is also disgusting for not agreeing to one if he actually cared about Elain.

Then they’re off saying Azriel would lose to Lucien anyway.

Bffr.

“I’d never realized that while Lucien had been trained as a warrior, Cassian, Azriel, Mor, and Rhys were Warriors.-ACOMAF Chap 47

“My mate leaned against the carved archway and drawled to Lucien, “I assume Cassian or Azriel has explained that if you threaten anyone in this house, this territory, we’ll show you ways to die you’ve never even imagined.” Indeed, the Illyrians smirked from where they lingered in the dining room threshold. Azriel was by far the more terrifying of the pair. -ACOWAR Chap 15

#pro elriel #elriel #elriel supremacy #elain x azriel #queue #elriel forever #pro elain #elain and azriel #elain archeron #acotar #pro elain archeron #pro azriel #acowar #acomaf #anti el*cien

[lovemyromance]

"Elriel isn't a forbidden romance because all Azriel had to do was tell Rhys that he loved Elain in order for Rhys to back off. All Elain has to do is reject the mating bond to be with Azriel. Lucien won't call a blood duel."

Aside from the fact that the entire argument above that antis love to use is 100% just based on assumption - it's also not as cut and dry as that?

Rhys fears a political conflict when they already have bigger problems in Prythian. He is - to a degree- using the mating bond Elain & Lucien have as a way to keep Lucien in line. As a way to force Lucien to be loyal to them. There is also the possibility that Lucien could call for a blood duel (regardless of whether or not he would). Rhys doesn't want that, even if he agrees that Azriel could beat Lucien.

And while it's true that Rhys does not know the depth of feelings Azriel has for Elain, again, that's not something SJM would get into during a bonus chapter in Nessian's book. He orders Azriel to stay away from Elain to protect his court, simple as that.

Elriel is also a forbidden romance because while Elain does not belong to Lucien, she is still technically his mate. In the ACOTAR world, that is associated with some kind of claim. Most people do not get between mates (cough: see Tamlin backing off reluctantly when he found out Rhys & Feyre were mates).

Azriel clearly has feelings for Elain. Elain clearly has feelings for Azriel. Elain can't openly be with Azriel in front of Lucien until she rejects the bond (which, we don't know that Elain even knows that's an option). Azriel was ordered away from Elain, by Rhys. Rhys doesn't want to risk a war or lose Lucien's loyalty.

Is their entire book going to be them sneaking around? Probably not. But that's definitely how it will start because that is what has been already set up in the bonus chapter.

Hope this helps 🫶🏼

#elriel #elain archeron #azriel #acotar #elain x azriel #pro elain

[acourtofthought]

I'm going to try to make this the last post where I address this but I'm starting to get frustrated with the narrative that Elucien's should just accept Az and hold in him high regard because "we're on the same side".

Yes, Elucien's and Gwynriel's both share a common goal of being Anti E/riels and we often create posts both sides like because of it. I think it's very clear to both groups that Az with Elain is a ship that exhibits major red flags.

But that's not the reason I ship Elucien, just because Az is bad for Elain so Lucien wins by default.

I actually like Elain and Lucien as individual characters. I think they'll be fantastic together but standing alone I still love them.

Just because I see that Az is setup to be healthier with Gwyn, that does not make up the sum total of his character. His interactions with Gwyn or Nesta are minimal compared to how he is with everyone else.

I think it's safe to say that a good number of Gwynriels support Elucien but don't necessarily like Elain. I joined a FB group that was Pro Gwynriel / Pro Elucien and ended up leaving for the vitriol that was spit Elain's way. It did not feel like a safe place to ship Elucien when I was constantly seeing others drag her.

And I think some in the fandom forget that Elucien's have witnessed this behavior for YEARS, even outside of E/riels. Some Gwynriels have thought nothing of the Elain slander or dislike they participated in and Elucien's have had to sit and just accept it.

Though this is a character SJM herself created and said shares her real life energy. Though this is a character SJM spoke of having a book long before Az was ever discussed as possibly getting his own, we were still forced to listen to her character be torn apart.

And now the Az getting a book chatter has increased tenfold and some Elucien's have started to speak out against Az's behavior.

SJM wrote it so that neither Elain or Lucien has ever said anything negative about Gwyn or Az.

But she did write Az as being problematic towards both Elain and Lucien.

If Elain and Lucien are someone's favorite ship and they genuinely have love for their characters, do Az stans TRULY believe we're supposed to show Az the same respect we do for Lucien?

When Az said Lucien wasn't good enough for Elain?

When Az said Elain couldn't handle the darkness of the Trove?

When Az didn't care whether Lucien murdered Graysen or when Az was fine being arrogant over defeating Lucien in the Blood Duel?

Please take the time to consider why Az's behavior towards Nesta or even Gwyn doesn't erase away Az's past behavior towards everyone else for some of us? Towards his own High Lady? The way he acts towards Helion? Please understand why not all Eluciens would care to see Az getting his own HEA with a female he JUST met and has shown no romantic inclination towards yet as he's fixated on Mor and Elain while Lucien continues to suffer with his unfulfilled bond and Az believes Lucien isn't good enough for her anyway.

I understand why Az stans are pumped for his book but please do not act like we should all be on the same side just because we are both Anti E/riels. Don't act like we're suddenly trouble makers because we're calling Az out for the wrongs we'd like to see righted and for what would be justice for Lucien's character, if Az did have to see him happy with his own mate before Az was granted the gift of his own.

Az could get his own book next and Elucien's will have to deal with it but stop acting like Elucien's who have been waiting for their story to be told since 2016 and whose favorites are constantly being belittled within the fandom (Lucien from E/riels and Elain from some Gwynriels) aren't well within their rights to be a little irritated by Az at this point.

This isn't even an Anti Azriel post because I realize that he will be redeemed and get his HEA. But let's not pretend there's not valid things he needs to atone for.

For us, it's not just about proving E/riels wrong but for Lucien's suffering to finally come to an end. For the Elain haters to finally reconsider.

After nearly a decade, you'd think there'd be a little more understanding for Elucien's and why they're not mooning over the possibility of an Az book being the next book.

#anti e/riel #lucien vanserra #elain archeron #pro elucien #pro elain archeron #pro lucien vanserra #elucien #Anti Azriel

[bright-side20]

"Lucien can beat Azriel because he has magic, and Az is an Illyrian; he's only a trained warrior with siphons"

I keep seeing posts like this which are biased 🤷🏻‍♀️

Azriel is anything but a regular Illyrian; his power is described as being coveted by all courts rare and different. He can winnow, which means he possesses a magic that only the strongest Fae have, and it's confirmed that his power doesn't have anything to do with Illyrian Siphons:

"Though the cobalt Siphons were proof that his Illyrian heritage ran true, even the rich lore of that warrior-people, my warrior-people, did not have an explanation for where the shadowsinger gifts came from. They certainly weren’t connected to the Siphons, to the raw killing power most Illyrians possessed. "

Till now, literally no one could understand his power, neither the Illyrians nor the high lords who didn't comprehend how his shadows could shield him from magic!

Even his winnowing is described as being different :

" Azriel’s dark breeze was different from Rhys’s. Colder. Sharper. It cut through the world like a blade, spearing us toward that army camp."

Cass doesn't have any explanation for Az's winnowing:

"in the strange way that Az could move through the world without technically winnowing. He’d never asked. Azriel certainly had never explained."

Moreover,bro possesses the Truth-Teller, the twin of the Starsword( that only the chosen ones can wield) . This fact emphasizes a lot about his power.

So, the argument that Lucien can defeat Az because he inherited magical powers, and Az only has Illyrian power , is wrong. Az also possesses a very rare, different magical power that no one could find an explanation for 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also, many anti-arguments claim that Az is toxic because he wants to kill Lucien and doesn't actually care about Elain. However, the context of the conversation was about what would happen if Elain wanted to be with Az, and Lucien demanded the blood duel. Rhys used it as a threat, and Az emphasized that he's not afraid and is ready to fight if Lucien wanted a blood duel, that's it.

Lastly, there won't be any blood duel because Elain has already stated that she's not a child to be fought over; it will be entirely about her choice ✨.

#elriel #pro elriel #azriel acotar #sarahjmaas #acotar thoughts #elriel supremacy #sjm #pro elain #azriel shadowsinger #elain x azriel

[viridianevergarden]

So it seems that one of the main gripes that antis have about elriel is the way Azriel worded his big question to Rhys. That the way he said it screams entitlement to Elain? I’m going to break this down a little.

"The Cauldron chose three sisters. Tell me how it's possible that my two brothers are with two of those sisters, yet the third was given to another."

I really don’t think anything is wrong here.

Consider how Azriel is for a moment. He is of a more sophisticated character and he talks that way normally. The sentence is structured poetically, yes? Azriel is of a poetic sort, as we have seen on many occasions.

Azriel is referring entirely to the numerical imbalance that is present between the 3 to 3 ratio because that’s what it is. A numerical imbalance. Thats why Elain is referred to as “the third”. Weren’t Nesta and Feyre referred to as the “two”?

But it’s only wrong that he referred to Elain as the Third? Okay.

He wasn’t specifically referring to the sisters individually. He was referring to them alongside his brothers as a group. Of course she is the Third, because that is what she is. You’d think an English class would teach that.

This doesn’t mean that he sees her as an object.

Its quite the opposite that he sees her as such, given the fact that this man -across 4 books- has risked life and limb for her, spent time with her, gave her his dagger for her own safety that no one else has ever touched, actively sought her out on many occasions, and defended her against Nesta and *Lucien? Come on now. Let’s be real.

*Voicing that she doesn’t even want him in the BC is a defense in her stead.

No one does all that to slip under someone’s dress or get into their pants. Across 2 years mind.

The “given to another” line really isn’t serious just like the aforementioned.

She practically was given to another. She was thrown at Lucien, as per Lucien’s pov, since he’s oh so important. The cauldron shackled her to him as he is to her. It’s merely an observation. No entitlement.

The way Azriel spoke about Lucien regarding the blood duel, fighting him and beating him, etc. People think that Azriel is screaming entitlement by merely stating that he’d beat him? Oh lord. After Rhys and the narration confirmed that it was true? Spending precious page space to make that known?

Not entitlement. Merely stating the obvious, an observation just like the rest. A truth that SJM was trying to convey.

And don’t start with the “He’S a HiGhLoRd’S sOn, He’D bEaT AzRiEl.” Respectfully, silence. Highlord power is passed on by the death of the current highlord. Highlord esc dominance ≠ highlord power. SJM spent page space to make the fact that Az would win known, get over it.

Then they have the matter of “well why didn’t he fight Rhys back and confess his love for Elain then?”

There’s three answers I can give:

This is a BC, he won’t do that until it’s in a book that he actually stars in as a main character, which obviously is the next installment.

Azriel, as a person, feels he should not love her. That he does not deserve her. That he taints her very being. And that she is too good for him and Lucien. So that statement would be completely out of character for him to do so here. This man hates himself so much that he feels he doesn’t have the right or reason to fight for his love for Elain. So he won’t.

Rhysand himself.

The explanation on Rhysand:

Rhys shut him down as soon as he walked in

Taunted and antagonized him

Threw wild assumptions at him

Instigated

Threatened him

And then immediately proceeded to shut him out

He effectively gave no room for Azriel to open up. He didn’t even ask Azriel what was happening or what he felt. It was an immediate attack as soon as he walked into the office.

“Are you out of your mind?”

Being shut down instantly

“What of Mor?”

Antagonized and taunted

“you think you deserve to be her mate?”

Wild assumption

“So you’ll what? Seduce her away from him?”

Instigated + assumption

“Snarl all you want. But if I see you panting after her again, I’ll make you regret it.”

A threat

“Get out.”

And shutting him out

After throwing knives of assumptions at Azriel, trying to bait him with Mor, he threatened him and then kicked him out.

Rhysand is at fault for not creating a safe space for his brother to explain. Azriel merely gave him curt answers in response because that’s all he allowed him to do.

It’s only salt in the wound that we know that Rhys knows of Azriel’s self worth/esteem issues and still treated him this way. But given the time this BC took place, I’m cutting Rhys some slack.

Again, keep in mind that Azriel won’t fight for his love because he feels he has no right or reason to. Not right now.

Could his question about the sisters and the cauldron have been worded better? Sure. I think it was worded well enough though because it explicitly states the disparity that he sees in a logical fashion.

Azriel isn’t entitled, he doesn’t feel entitled.

The irony of it is that some people think he is all the while the man feels as though he doesn’t even deserve to be in any close proximity to Elain. To be around her and to see her light.

People fail to consider the emotional and mental state of Elriel, completely ignoring their words that made it so obvious of what they’re thinking and feeling and wanting all so they can determine what they want them to do instead.

Very ironic indeed.

#The irony that surrounds Elriel and their haters is insane #Literally everything they think and feel in the books is interpreted the exact opposite of what they are saying #every damn time #elriel #acotar #pro elriel #pro azriel #azriel shadowsinger #elain x azriel

[stargirlie25]

i might be a Lucien Stan but unlike some people I don't want to see Azriel die for the sake of my ship.

Like y'all are vassiens but also say Lucien would lose in a blood duel?

Losing in a blood duel literally means dying.

The debate is so silly on who would win. They are both powerful. However Lucien has more advantages.

He has light and fire (both things that defeat shadows)

He broke free of the king of hyberns MAGIC leashes while the HL who killed Amarantha and Rhysands dad with ease remained leashed.

He is heir to the daycourt. Becoming HL means you have the HL beast form.

Helions beast form:

Amethyst light swirled around him. Helion growled at Rhys—an order

Leaving the commander and Helion Spell-Cleaver to go head-to-head. Spell to spell.

If Rhys was a flying terror crafted from shadows and cold moonlight, Helion was his daytime equivalent.

So what we know is that Helion using the high lord beast form, is equal to Rhysand. We know he ORDERS Rhysand in that form. ALSO the spells? In acosf Helion says he knows spells that even Rhysand does not. Lucien can easily learn from helion and use all kinds of spells.

No because siphons can never defeat a high lords beast form. The power the high lord already has is intensified in that form. Bigger. Stronger. More powerful.

LAST OF ALL the difference between Az and Lucien is that Lucien would actually be fighting for his mate. Its Lucien who feels the anger with the bond towards his opponent. It is Lucien who carries the rare feelings of the mating bond.

Anyways all I'm saying is Lucien would obviously win. Although he says in Acowar that he would ask Rhysand advice on how he survived knowing his mate loved someone else. He would sit back and watch if Elain fell in love with Azriel. Lucien would do nothing to stop it. He would just mourn after her for the rest of his life.

E/riels know Lucien is patient with Elain. They know he gives her space. So they think Lucien would be the one to entertain the blood duel. No. he. would. not. Why don't e/riels see that Azriel is the only one who entertained the blood duel?

I am fully aware lots of e/riels and gwynriels give the personality of Lucien to Az but now e/riels are giving his cons to Lucien.

They think LUCIEN has one sided beef with Az.

They think LUCIEN wants to kill Azriel.

They think LUCIEN wants to kill a man over a woman who said she is not a child to be FOUGHT for.

They think LUCIEN arrogantly states that he can defeat another man.

They think LUCIEN views Elain as a precious small docile flower.

This is seriously not an Anti Azriel post. Let's just say Azriel is not in his element when in regards to Elain AND Mor. He has the same negative reactions to both of them.

Coming back to the point of my post

Lucien would defeat Azriel

Lucien would not entertain the blood duel

Lucien would mourn Elain forever

Azriel is the only one who has entertained the blood duel.

Elucien>Smelriel

#pro Lucien vanserra #pro elucien #pro lucien #pro elain archeron #Elain archeron #Lucien vanserra #Lucien x elain #Elain x lucien #lulu is the solulu #anti e/riel #pro elain #anti smelriel

[emilyondemand]

Something I find a little interesting about some in the fandom is how literal things need to be spelled out. I think this could be a bit of a case of not understanding the difference when an author shows us something(good writing) and tells us something(mediocre writing, except where exposition is needed, obviously). This is especially important in relationship dynamics, and I think this can be applied to Az’s bonus pov as well as to his and Elaine’s relationship as a whole.

SJM has been peeling back layer after layer showing us the depth of feeling and tenderness between Az and Elain through their actions toward one another.

Elain noticing Az rubbing his temples and getting him something to alleviate his discomfort

Az making a joke at Amren’s expense to distract everyone from Elain’s embarrassment

Az staying up with El after 3 am to listen to her gardening plans

Az acknowledging Elain’s contributions and service to her court and family through her domestic duties and not letting anyone eat until she is seated as a sign or respect

Az respecting Elain’s privacy with Lucien

When Azriel hears about the fight between Nesta and Elain, he doesn’t wonder about the fight, he is worried about Elain’s well-being. “What happened to Elain”

Azriel’s shadows coiling like snakes to defend Elain when she’s insulted.

So a common argument is that we were in Azriel’s head and he did not think about Elain in any other terms outside of her beauty and having sex with her. That even in Cassian’s bonus he thought about Nesta as a “pillar of steel and flame,” but I feel like this again comes down to that pesky little thing that antis love to hate, context. And even in context, this remark from Cassian isn’t much different than Azriel thinking about how open and hopeful and trusting Elain is when she looks at him.

Cassian and Nesta, at the point of time of his pov, had only seen each other a couple times. Nesta was still human, Cassian didn’t understand why he was drawn to her, they each had a very visceral reaction to one another that manifested itself by walking a very thin line between love/hate (and very often fell into hate territory). This encounter happened before he made a vow to protect Nes, which in text seemed mildly out of place, but was illuminated by their interaction in his bonus pov.

The bonus gives context for Cas’s actions in that moment. Just like all of the moments Elain and Az have had over the course of four books give context to Az’s bonus.

Azriel and Elain find themselves in a private romantic situation. One that Az has been simultaneously trying to avoid, but also hoping for desperately. The author is expecting her readers to understand by this point in the story that there is an established bond between the two, so there is no need for Azriel to wax poetic on Elain’s virtues, he knows what they are. Because, as opposed to Cassian and Nesta in Cassian’s bonus, Azriel and Elain have spent over 2 years moving in the same circle and getting to know one another. SJM is noting the familiarity that has occurred between them when she has Azriel remarking on:

Not needing his shadows to read Elain

Elain understanding why he was avoiding the river house and his motivations- indicating that these two have gotten to know each other well enough to communicate without words

Moments unseen to the reader involving mutual flirting with lingering glances and the brushing of fingers

And Elain making a sex joke with Azriel shows that these two are obviously comfortable with one another, especially in light of Elain’s reaction to Feyre’s attempt to discuss Fae periods with her

Ironically enough, antis also conveniently forget that between the two POV’s, it’s Cassian who is concerned about how Mor will feel about him and Nesta; Azriel on the other hand, doesn’t spare a thought for Mor while he is with Elain.

Then we get to the confrontation between Azriel and Rhys. Antis seem to think that Azriel is going to just start pouring out his heart to Rhys, and the truth is, he kind of does in his own way. I think it’s also important to note that Azriel’s rage here had less to do with Rhys interrupting, than it did with Azriel knowing Elain was confused and hurt and he was forced to be the cause of it.

So then we have Azriel:

Willing to upset the tentative peace in Prythian for Elain

Willing to fight a blood duel for Elain

Prioritizing Elain’s wants over the entitlement of the mating bond

Questioning Fate and the Mother

And his feelings need to be spelled out more than that? In a bonus chapter the majority of readers don’t even know about?

SJM shows us over and over in the bonus that there is a deep and intimate connection between Azriel and Elain, and it is mutual. The lengths Azriel would be willing to go for Elain and her well being says loud and clear that his feelings for her aren’t purely sexually driven. The cliche: actions speak louder than words, personifies their relationship.

#this is 100% a rebuttal to some dumb shit a delucien posted a few weeks ago #😬😬😬 #selective reading is a plague on this fandom #especially for the azriel antis #elriel #pro elriel

[bloomingdarkgarden]

A Snippet of a Conversation between Azriel and Lucien.

Just a little preview of Chapter 29 of What Bloomed in the Darkgarden

A sharp grin grew on Lucien’s face as he admired the liquor bottle on the mantel. “I’ve always thought you to be a decent male, anyway.”

Azriel crossed his arms, leaning back in the leather of his armchair.

“I cannot return the sentiment.”

Lucien laughed then, loose hair glittering ruby in the firelight as he filled two drams with a hearty pour of liquor each. “No,” he muttered. “No, I imagine that was not possible.”

The smallest semblance of a cool smile grew on Azriel’s face in response. “I’m glad we understand one another.”

Lucien took a casual step towards the shadowsinger, handing him a glass.

“I was told you are not the ravishing type, actually.” he said dryly, an auburn eyebrow quirking upwards.

Azriel nodded in thanks for the alcohol, which was absolutely essential to continuing this conversation.

A moment of silence passed.

“By whom?” The shadowsinger allowed himself a long, necessary, and overdue sip. The liquor was the color of ripened honey and tasted like citrus and smoke.

Lucien, too, swallowed a mouthful, settling himself gracefully into an armchair to the left.

“Rhysand, of all people.” he muttered with amusement.

Azriel snorted softly.

“He hasn’t been on the other end of my ravishing.”

Lucien laughed again, heartily, and Azriel could not keep the corner of his mouth from upturning at the casualty with which this discussion was unfolding.

And although he did not say it aloud, the thought ebbed through his mind as he dared a glance at the seventh son of autumn, that Lucien very well may be a decent male after all.

#elriel #decent males #acotar fanfiction #anti blood duel #darkgarden

[jmoonjones]

Daddy Vincent returns!! Suffer my loosely Sephiroth-inspired Vincent portrait, then enjoy the chibi adventures:

1. Kejari story time!

2. Special anti-vampire bandaids that lock in blood smell are crucial during dueling practice 🗡️

3. A chaotic AU wherein everything is the same except Oraya goes to school and Vincent’s in the PTA. Until he eats everyone who bothers him.

#crowns of nyaxia #oraya and vincent #daddy vincent #the serpent and the wings of night #the ashes and the star cursed king #six scorched roses #carissa broadbent

[starsreminisce]

I always find it interesting that E/riels overlook how violent Azriel was towards Elain’s mate. I get that many people don’t think the bond is real (tho I don’t know why you’d think so), we know from canon that the bond is a real thing and it’s sacred and special to the fae. So why on Earth are people so into the blood duel? If Azriel actually killed Lucien, they would hurt Elain too. Even if she didn’t want the bond, it is there and it makes her whole (it’s described this way by other SJM characters anyway). So Azriel having no indication that killing Lucien would hurt Elain is a major red flag for me. It’s arrogant and inconsiderate, not to mention that even if Elain decides to reject Lucien, she might still not want to have him murdered… to me that whole blood duel suggestion seems nuts.

Feyre showed us what it's like when her bond is severed, and it was so devastating that she pleaded with Tamlin - yes, Tamlin - to help bring Rhys back to life. It made her rethink her plans of having kids earlier than she had intended. The thought of losing Cassian prompted Nesta to take action.

Elain seems to feel things more deeply than her sisters. That's why they're concerned about her going to Hewn City and why she ended up vomiting from sheer terror during the cauldron's blast.

This all ties back to some folks being more anti-Lucien than actual fans of Elain. Because no genuine fan of Elain would be thrilled about Azriel wanting to duel Lucien, especially if they understood the impact it could have on her based on past experiences. It's even more amusing because many E/riels are eagerly anticipating Elain's book, and I wonder if they'll maintain that energy when they find out that Lucien is the second person involved.

For my part, I think Lucien is more of a defender than a fighter. He might not actively fight for her, but he'll certainly stand up for her and himself. He might even consider Az not worth the trouble. However, the fact that he's stood his ground against his father, Tamlin, Rhys, the King of Hybern, and Amarantha when provoked suggests that if Az fucks around with Lucien, he'll find out.

I've heard some Lucien stans interpret Rhys's eyes flickering when he agreed with Az as a sign that he's lying and trying not to encourage Az to challenge Lucien. Rhys knows Lucien's true parentage and how Lucien's powers perfectly counter Az's. TOG shows us what happens when fire clashes with shadows. Who knows, maybe just one word from Lucien would be enough.

Plus, even Nesta is concerned about what might happen to Elain if something were to happen to Lucien because of how it would affect her. While the mating bond is considered sacred and unbreakable, it seems that not everyone sees it the same way for Elucien.

#elain x lucien #elucien #antie/riel #antielriel #pro elucien #pro lucien #lucien vanserra #elain archeron #pro elain archeron

[chdarling]

I really, REALLY, dislike Graham.

I can't wait for the glorious moment in which he'll know that Lily fancy James Potter. I can't fucking wait for it, the realization splatted on his face.

Lily, this beautiful muggleborn, fancies James Potter, a pureblood who has no judgment and prejudice.

I mean, Flor is a nice girl, but Graham... I really want to punch him every time, especially I don't like the way he treats and speaks about Sirius and James

Please, Lily let him realize or tell him directly (even better) that you have fallen for a young man, who is a leader, who has strong principles, who is a good person, whose name is James Potter.

When I read the Graham likes her, my thought was "my dear, she fancy James, I can't wait for you to know it"

I want to add that your James is one of my favourite, I really like how you write him ❤️

hmmmm ok I have a rule where I don’t tell anyone how to feel about a character! So I’m not gonna do that!

But…….this is extremely self-indulgent on my part, but I just want to offer some space to consider how characters like Sirius and James are perceived by other students at school, particularly the more marginalized students (like Graham).

So, forgive me:

Facts about Sirius and James as perceived by the general student body:

Sirius Black came from one of the most prominent Muggle-hating families in wizarding society. Prior to 1976 it was not common knowledge that he did not get along with his family. (Canon; TLE2-16)

Sirius Black called Cecil Stebbins the M-word in first year. (TLE2-36)

Sirius Black made a splash in third year by stealing a muggle-born girl’s diary, reading it aloud, and proceeding to torment her about it and her crush [on a pure-blood boy] for years. (TLE1-7)

Sirius Black was at least semi-frequently photographed with prominent members of wizarding society who publicly spouted anti-Muggle sentiment (such as the Malfoys), and these photos were glowingly printed in the Daily Prophet’s Society pages for all to read. (TLE1-28; TLE1-35)

Sirius Black often made a show of spending his family’s money extravagantly, such as buying drinks for entire tables of random students in the Three Broomsticks as a joke. (TLE1-25)

Sirius Black had a reputation for dueling and getting into fights. (TLE1-44, and like…every other chapter lmao)

James Potter publicly declared that he wouldn’t date a muggle-born girl if she were the last girl in school, then proceeded to tease her about it for years (TLE1-7)

James Potter had a reputation for being jinx happy, frequently hexing other students. (Canon, TLE1-7, TLE1-40, TLE1-50, TLE1-52, TLE2-40, etc etc etc etc)

In his fifth year, James Potter once hexed a younger Muggle-born student so badly it took 2 weeks for his skin to turn back to normal. (TLE1-50, TLE2-40)

James Potter publicly humiliated his enemies. (TLE1-52)

James Potter mocked another student for essentially being poor (TLE2-31)

James Potter was the Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, which did not have a single Muggle-born member. (TLE2-45)

Etc etc etc

Of course, WE have context for all these incidents. We know their thoughts, intentions, etc. But how would someone like Graham have that insight? Why would he ever give them the benefit of the doubt?

And yet despite all this, the way Graham has treated them has been to be inwardly disdainful and outwardly polite, even being gracious in welcoming James when he crashed the MBSC without an express invite. (Sure, internally he may have been thinking “you privileged wanker”, but did he say it? No! lmao)

Anyway!! Just another perspective on this dude! I love hearing all the different takes on him. He has not QUITE surpassed Florence as Most Controversial TLE Character but he’s at least won a shiny medal. 🥈😂

#ch answers #tle2 #tle2 spoilers

[blackcatsnstrawberries]

ACOTAR 5 Theory (it's 5 because ACOFAS is 3.5)

I really need people to start understanding that novellas are .5 of a novel.

I am going to start by saying I am not anti Lucien, in fact having Lucien around was what got me through the first half of ACOTAR and the first few chapters of ACOWAR, I genuinely like him.

That being said, this post is (anti) Elucien and (pro) Elriel, and not because I don't like Elain and Lucien together, but because Elriel makes more sense.

From reading ACOSF, specifically the bonus chapter, we know about a possible Blood Duel between Azriel and Lucien brewing because of Elain. Lots of pro Azriel people think that he will be able to easily kill Lucien, and pro Lucien people think Lucien will be able to kill Azriel.

Neither can kill the other without ruining their character. Therefore, neither of them will die in the blood duel. BUT Lucien has to win it in order to move on from his mating bond to Elain.

Let me explain...

Lucien: From the context of the entire series of ACOTAR, we can see that Lucien isn't into Elain, but he hasn't broken the mating bond for whatever reason, my assumption is tradition and expectation. If Lucien were to kill Azriel in the Blood Duel, that would irrevocably ruin not only his relationship with everyone in the inner circle, but Elain wouldn't be like "Well, Azriel is dead! I guess I am with Lucien now!" It would lead nowhere. Elain loses her choice, Lucien ends up with someone he doesn't have feelings for, and everyone in the IC would probably want him dead, but even if they accepted the outcome, wouldn't welcome him ever again.

Conclusion: Tears the IC apart, takes away Elain's choice, ruins Lucien's character because he kills a popular/beloved character for no reason. It would ultimately turn him into a villian, and SJM likes him, he's not a villian.

Azriel: Azriel and Elain clearly have chemistry since the moment they met, it's undeniable (I will always link @sunlit-elain post .) I do think Azriel is the better fighter, and would probably win the Blood Duel, but again it would ruin his character. If Az won, he would be killing Feyre (his High Lady's) friend, arguably her best friend. Not to mention, Lucien is still seen as a "good guy", and having another "good guy" kill him off, would stain Azriel's character to the point where he would be considered unlikable by a lot readers. Again, even if Feyre accepts this is the reality of the blood duel, her friend is dead, she's going to have negative feelings about Azriel. His relationship with the IC would also be strained. Not to mention, I don't think Elain would be like all hot and bothered by the guy who killed someone to be with her, especially when that person isn't a "bad guy," or a threat.

Conclusion: Azriel killing Lucien creates turmoil in the IC that would forever damage the dynamics, and really wouldn't move the plot forward. Lucien isn't demanding Elain, he's not mean to Elain, he's trying to work at the bond. Killing him would eliminate the barrier, but create unnecessary new ones that couldn't be fixed.

So what's the conclusion then? There will be a blood duel, and Lucien will "win" but he won't kill Azriel...

Lucien has to come to the conclusion that his bond with Elain is dead himself.

Killing Azriel, or anyone, won't make him love Elain more, it won't make her love him, or even like him. He has nothing to gain from killing Az. But if he comes to the conclusion that Elain loves Azriel, and he spares Az's life for her, he can move on from the bond which clearly causes him pain and discomfort, and Azriel and Elain can get their happily ever after.

Edit:

On the same note, if Azriel has Lucien on his knees and spares his life because he doesn't want to kill Feyre's friend/Elain's bonded mate, that would make Lucien seen weak or his life was spared out pity. This wouldn't put any of his feelings about obligation to rest, it wouldn't dissipate how his body feels about the mating bond. Lucien has to be the one to end it on his terms.

All characters have a positive end to this arc in this scenario. Lucien sees his bond with Elain only brings pain to both of them, and is free to pursue anyone he wants (Vassa.) Azriel finally gets to be chosen, and Elain gets to make her choice about who she loves.

(If you want to see this dramatised I conveniently wrote it)

Also I didn't tag anything anti, so please don't come at me if you're pro Elucien and hate this take with anything mean. I am super happy to nicely defend my opinions and ideas, as you can read I said nothing negative about your ship, just that I think a different ship will happen.

#acotar #sarah j maas #sjm multiverse #a court of thorns and roses #rhysand #pro elriel #pro elain #pro azriel #elain and azriel #azriel x elain #blood duel #acotar 5 theory #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #acotar 5 #acomaf #acowar #acosf #azriel shadowsinger #feyre archeron #i am afraid to tag the elucien fandom #pro lucien vanserra #lucien x vassa #acofas #acotar theories #acotar thoughts #acotar fanfiction #sjm universe