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#mating bonds
sadiegirl2021 · 22 days
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Gwynriel are water and shadows
Elucien are fire and light
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starsreminisce · 15 days
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So Elain silently cried, the tears so unending that I wondered if it was some sign of her heart bleeding out. Some sliver of hope that had shattered today. That Graysen would still love her, still marry her—and that love would trump even a mating bond.
I love how much e/riels claim this as a main argument for why their pair is endgame when this speaks more towards Elucien, given how both Elain and Lucien hoped that love would trump the mating bond only to be met with devastating ends. Elain was rejected by Graysen, hoping that their love would transcend her new circumstances because of their mutual affection.
Similarly, Lucien hoped for a similar outcome when he intended to marry Jesminda, only to have her executed in front of him. He felt shunned by the lesser fae of the Autumn Court as he fled because he believed he failed her.
“Lucien fell in love with a faerie whom his father considered to be grossly inappropriate for someone of his bloodline. Lucien said he didn’t care that she wasn’t one of the High Fae, that he was certain the mating bond would snap into place soon and that he was going to marry her and leave his father’s court to his scheming brothers.”
We were given the full story of how Lucien ended up in the Spring Court, where love, for him, held little significance compared to the mating bond's honor in Prythian. A few chapters later, Elain had her version, where the mating bond held a much higher significance than her feelings for Graysen at the moment, as Graysen emphasized her bond over her transformation.
However, we are also informed about what the mating bond means among the fae.
Rhysand was my mate. Not lover, not husband, but more than that. A bond so deep, so permanent that it was honored over all others. Rare, cherished. ... “How can I possibly be his mate?” Mates were equals—matched, at least in some ways. “He is the most powerful High Lord to ever walk this earth. You are … new. You are made of all seven High Lords. Unlike anything. Are you two not similar in that? Are you not matched?”
SJM tells us in various ways how Elain and Lucien are similar. Not only in their personalities and desires, but also in how she initially wrote the book and then realized that Lucien and Elain were better suited for each other and changed it accordingly.
She crafted it in such a way that the mating bond represents love, the highest form of it in its expression. HOFAS tells us that after Silene returned, things changed and history was forgotten. Silene chose not to become the High Lady of Night for Feyre to reclaim the title at the end of MAF.
The Valkyries were gone for Nesta to revive them again at the end of SF.
So maybe, just maybe, Elain and Lucien will not only redefine but fiercely reclaim what it means to be mates, restoring the concept to its essence of two individuals standing as equals in every aspect.
Because there is power in the choice to accept one's fate and to finally believe that you are so much more than what others have perceived you to be.
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bookofmirth · 2 months
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Do you think the theory of Gwyn knowing that she and Azriel are mates is true? I can understand why people think that; she goads and teases him like Rhys did with Feyre and like Cassian did with Nesta. A small part of me wants the bond to snap for Az first so we can see his inner panic. It would be a little funny. I hope he already has romantic feelings (or starts to develop them) before the bond snaps.
Hmm... I think that sjm has set a weird precedent for herself because of how people know. Everyone can smell mating bonds, but the scent is stronger at times, yet the characters "conveniently" don't notice their own until forced to confront them. They can feel them, but can dismiss the feeling by explaining it away (Feyre thinking hers was the other bargain she made with Rhys). Az I swear will think it's heartburn. It's all kinda messy, and the further into the series she goes, the harder she's going to have to work to explain why characters don't know and to keep that tension going for the reader, because she keeps setting these weird rules for plot and tension reasons, rather than regular worldbuilding/magic system reasons.
However, her recent interview could explain why neither of them would know; she says that sometimes, mates are so broken that they don't recognize one another right away. (When I get the exact quote and link, I'll edit this post) (Maeve says it in EoS, thanks @aionuel) (Im still thinking of something she said in an interview though, I'll edit if I find it)
It made me think about Az and Gwyn, though, because we already have the metaphoric mate language being used for them, anyone can smell a mating bond, but as far as we know, they haven't recognized it. I can see Gwyn being too... nervous? To accept that she might have a mate, when she's trying to cope with her trauma and the idea of the world is still too much for her - even though she dreams of it. And for Az, his issues I think aren't necessarily tied to one specific event, but a general feeling of unworthiness.
I think that Gwyn is interested in Az, for the reasons you mentioned, like her teasing and goading him, her attention going to him and being particularly competitive with Azriel. I just don't know if I'd say it's because she knows, though! I could see her being in denial, even if she is looking 👀
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mycadences · 2 months
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Antis: But Gwynriel can't be mates because Azriel didn't sense their bond!! The bond always snaps in place for the males first!!!
Rowan Whitethorn and sapphic mate pairs: We are just a figment of your imagination ✨
(And yes, same-sex mates DO exist. We know SJM's worlds are all linked, and in TOG, Emrys and Malakai were mates, while in ACOWAR, Rhys commented that Thesan and his male lover were waiting for their mating bond to snap into place.)
Also, the more they argue that Gwynriel aren't mates, the more they agree that SJM will go down the mating bond path. Because why else would they be so fervently denying their mating bond? (And please remember these are the same people who are hollering that Elucien is boring because they're mates... So shouldn't they be desperately trying to prove that Gwynriel are mates and label them as "boring" too?) Their arguments are so contradictory that I'm always left scratching my head when I inadvertently see them (since they don't even tag properly lol).
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queercontrarian · 1 year
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tamlin and the concept of mating bonds
i've seen a few fics now where tamlin gets a mate as part if his redemption/healing arc and don't get me wrong, i love those fics and i eat them up every time, but there is one thing that i feel most of them have been missing, something that i personally think is a big part of tamlin's character and his story so far.
tamlin doesn't trust the concept of mates.
in book one when feyre first asks him about mates, he tells her that the bond is more important than marriage to fae, that it goes deeper than anything else and fae with mating bonds are considered blessed. however when feyre asks about his family, specifically his parents, he portrays the mating bond and his mother's love for his father as something much more negative. witnessing his mother love his father even in the face of his cruelty and villainy is what set tamlin up to view feyre's mating bond with rhysand in a similar light, assuming the dynamic to be essentially the same: woman with a good heart in love with a villainous male, blind to his atrocities, forever bound to her love for him by the mating bond. being mated to his father literally got his mother killed, so it would not be surprising in the least if tamlin were to hold some disdain towards that kind of soul bonding, or was even outright scared of it.
and especially after feyre, tamlin would be very cautious about any mating bonds. cassian saying he felt "shackled" to nesta? even worse in this situation. tamlin would forever doubt if his mate was truly there for him or just because of the bond, and would be even more scared of becoming like his father. how would he know that his partner doesn't feel obligated to him because of being mates, even if they reassured him everything was fine. after all, that was what his mother always said too.
all in all, i'd love to see tamlin more torn about getting a mate of his own. i don't think he'd accept it so easily, especially considering his personal history in regards to mating bonds.
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fuckmelifesucks · 1 year
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Quick note: so i wrote this bit on June 9, 2022 and left it in the draft and forgot about it and then found it again and couldn't remember the exact end point of this. It's just a half assing of some theory, i think. I honestly don't remember. But hey it's basically a rant on my part and me over analysing things. Feel free to scroll past or if not, add to this if u like🤷‍♀️ well, that is if you do understand in it. I just posted it because I wanted to. So, eh.. why not.
Mating bonds
Let's talk about mating bonds in acotar. So far we know that it's some kind of a bridge of connection between souls and that a mating bond is the most sacred thing for fae and that they are super rare (yeah, not like everyone is getting a bond right and left 😐).
So, Rhys and feyre had the best mating bond by far. Theirs was one that was of pure love and connection. Feyre only accepted her bond with Rhys after she started falling for him. Similar with Nesta and cassian.
Now elucien mating bond. Their bond is similar yet so different from the feysand and nessian mating bonds. It is similar on the surface level. Like Lucien's need to taste, touch and smell her. But emotionally, it's so different. Because there seems to be no emotional connection at all.
Anyway, so we know the whole thing how people want elain and Lucien to end up together cuz of the bond between them, even though it's evident that the bond makes both the parties uncomfortable af and that both don't actually want it.
And i don't know about others but I'd rather not read about a couple who's been forced to be together without any actual sense of choice. But, what if their bond is not meant to actually be a start of their romance but rather something to help with furthering things. Like something with a different hidden meaning to it rather than a way for a happily ever after.
So here is how Rhys described the mating bond and its true nature.
And sometimes, yes—the bond picks poorly. Sometimes, the bond is nothing more than some … preordained guesswork at who will provide the strongest offspring. At its basest level, it’s perhaps only that. Some natural function, not an indication of true, paired souls.
— chapter 24, ACOWAR
So we know it's not some soulmate uniting bond but just something that may help in the long run of things sometimes.
Mating bonds that didn't go so well and are examples of this exact thing were tamlin's parents and rhysand's parents.
“You said your mother and father were wrong for each other; Tamlin said his own parents were wrong for each other.” I peeled off my dressing robe. “So it can’t be a perfect system of matching.
— chapter 24, ACOWAR
So again it's probably not for finding your soulmates. But it's also said that a mating bond can have a reason behind it. If not love then something else entirely.
Many mated pairs will try to make it work, believing the Cauldron selected them for a reason.
— chapter 24, ACOWAR
So there has to be some reason why two persons are picked to be together. And i believe that a mating bond is initially just something that brings two people together and that every mating bond has so sort of ulterior motive and not just love.
Let's talk about reasons why Rhysand's parents were mates. Why, out of all people, rhysand's mother was mated to the high lord of the night court. She was a local illyrian seamstress. From what we know there is nothing that special about her. Then why was she mated to rhysand's father? He could've been mated to any illyrian female if it had to be an illyrian, specifically. And he was 900 years old. So why, after 900 years did he get mated to rhysand's mother? He was one of the strongest high lords and his mate an illyrian female with no particularly exceptional powers. Because there were ulterior motives for the mating bond snapping between them.
Firstly, because of their union, Rhys came into existence, becoming the most powerful high lord to walk the lands of prythian.
That brings me to the question of how? Again rhysand's father was the powerful one. And his mother was in no way his father's 'equal'. Or maybe she did have some powers or so sort of lineage we do not know know of but still. Rhysand's father could've been mated to anyone else. Preferably someone who was considerably powerful too. Maybe that would've resulted in an even stronger offspring.
That indicates that their bond was more that just production of the strongest offspring. There were more ulterior motives to their bond than just the birth of rhys.
And now let's look at what's happened due to rhysand's parents' mating bond.
Rhys being the strongest High Lord with his night power, wings and possibly some of that illyrian killing power too.
Since Rhysand's mother was illyrian and it was custom for (half)illyrian youngling to train at the illyrian camps, Rhys was sent to the windhaven camp to train.
Rhys with his power combined with the illyrian training made him even stronger.
And windhaven is where he met cassian and azriel, his brothers.
Rhys, who would eventually grow up to be the strongest high lord, united with Azriel and cassian, two bastards who would eventually grow up to become two of the strongest illyrian warriors to ever exist with each possessing seven siphons for their massive killing power.
Then the bat boys together won the blood rite, becoming Carynthians. Hence, resulting in cassian and azriel being no longer looked down upon (kinda).
Rhys in that camp with Azriel and cassian resulted in mor meeting them, which resulted in mor giving her virginity to cassian to get out of an arranged marriage she didn't want. The consequences were brutal, yes but at the end of the day, she was freed from the clutches of the court of nightmares.
Then they met amren, the fallen angel, who helped Rhys control his own power so as to prevent it from consuming him.
And then the formation of the inner court.
These are the few things that took place because of the mating bond of rhysand's parents.
Now what would've happened if they weren't mates.
Rhysand probably not existing or if he was hypothetically, then he's not the strongest high lord.
Not meeting azriel and cassian which would've probably led to the two not achieving siphons or being able to take part in the blood rite.
Mor would've probably been the lady of autumn 2.0 cuz she would've had to marry Eris.
Mor wouldn't have been able to get away from the court of nightmares either.
They wouldn't have found amren so if there was Rhys, say, with incredible power, his power would've probably consumed him.
No inner court.
Rhys probably wouldn't have been who he is and maybe would've ended up actually being a cruel high lord.
You get the drill.
Anyway, so these were few reasons for the mating bond between rhysand's parents and it being them specifically.
Now why i went into this long ass rant...
Elucien bond is quite similar to the bond that rhysand's parents had. It's painfully obvious.
Both Lucien and elain do not like each other.
They are uncomfortable with the bond.
The only reason why they could be together would be the mating bond.
No choice for either of them.
Both had been thrown at each other.
They can't stand to be around each other for long, much like rhysand's parents.
Now it's already been discussed by many other that the mating bond between elain and Lucien could have other reasons behind it.
What are the possible ulterior motives for the cauldron to make them mates since now we know that many of the bonds are not based on love and equality between two people but with other intentions.
They could have really strong offsprings. Maybe even the next most powerful high lord, given, Lucien is the sole heir to the day court and elain is the made cauldron blessed seer.
Their bond could help in defeating koschi or at the least free vassa.
Lucien being son of helion the spell-cleaver, could also help in other things like helping elain somehow free the fae trapped in the stones of the prison.
Somehow, just maybe, the helion and lady of autumn drama would also unwrap more and possibly solve their problems too.
And many more.
What has happened till now because of the mating bond...
Lucien left the spring court and tamlin.
He traveled to the human lands to help find vassa, hence meeting with papa Archeron and the other humans, helping them come to the battlefield.
He met vassa.
His friendship with vassa and jurian.
Him finding a place for himself in the human lands and the band of exiles.
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ladyelain · 2 years
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If any bond gest broken, it won’t be Lucien’s.
If sjm had planned on writing about breaking a mating bond, she could’ve made Lucien and Nesta mates like she originally meant to and still have Nessian be endgame.
The fact she decided against her initial idea, because she thinks they wouldn’t have worked together, means she never considered giving Lucien a "wrong" mate.
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merymoonbeam · 2 years
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Between them
I was looking at my post “with a blink” and noticed something 👀 (this is a theory so I could be wrong about it)
In that post I talked about how the yellow highlighted part could be a mating bond hint—as kind of a metaphor—between them because with mated couples females give food to their mate and in this part we see that “as if the ghost of the dish remained between them”
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And then remembered that sarah used “between them” for elriel in another scene too...
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Something charged went throught it. Between them.
As if the ghost of the dish remained between them
Do you see what I’m seeing? 👀👀👀
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exoticalmonde · 7 days
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| Ineluctable | by ExoticAlmonde
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Tags:
Rated E
9K words
Dr. Ratio x Aventurine
Top Dr. Ratio x Bottom Aventurine
A/B/O Dynamics
Aventurine is a Honey Tiger
Dr. Ratio is a Nebelung Cat
Love, Affection & a LOT of spice
Mating bonds
Aventurine has a 🍑
Summary:
Aventurine, whose past had ruined his heat cycles, attempts to escape his physical body’s needs by abandoning it in the Dreamscape. Unfortunately for him, the plugins that usually ensure he will not feel what his physical body feels were turned off that day without warning. When the man who had tended to the aftermath of his previous heats finds him folded over on a bench amidst bustling Penacony, he makes a split-second decision to take the aching tiger in. To hell with their work-only relationship and Veritas Ratio’s effort to keep his feelings in check.
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offtorivendell · 2 years
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Could a visitor possibly discuss mating bond structure with Elain?
Please don't screenshot or share this post without credit.
Disclaimer: CC HOSAB SPOILERS. This is really only just a bit of pondering about one way in which a visitor may impact Rhys and Feyre's inner circle during their stay in Velaris. I'm not sure it's even a theory, but it makes no claims of accuracy, regardless.
Relevant HOSAB quote/spoilers below the break.
Given the fae in Midgard seem to know more about the actual structure of a mating bond - ie. that it is ingrained on a biological, molecular level - I wouldn't be at all surprised if Bryce can educate the Prythian fae in this regard; likely using a translator, unless it happens later on in her stay, when they've learnt each other's languages, or perhaps figured out a translation spell. Elain is an obvious candidate, but it could also be someone else; possibly Mor or Feyre, and Elain will either overhear the discussion as it's taking place, or it will be repeated to her in her book (because I would be shocked if she makes any sort of bond decision in an ACOTAR book that isn't her own, let alone a book in an entirely different series).
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All of this becomes especially pertinent when we remember the following exchange between Feyre and Rhys, in ACOWAR, in which they discuss how their own mating bond is especially rare - a meeting of "true, paired souls." All of this was brought on by a discussion of Elain's situation - having a mate straight out of the Cauldron - which is, potentially, relevant.
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"Some natural function" sounds very similar to being bound on a "biological, molecular level." As does "an indication of true, paired souls" and "soul-magicky," as well as "there will always be a... tug" and "there's no undoing it." It is (potentially) important that these scenes each provide information that creates this parallel.
This isn't to say that Elain will make one decision over another during any crossover event - as I said, her choice will almost certainly be made in the book she shares with her future love interest, whomever that may be (and we all have our own opinions on who would suit her better, and how it should mesh with the overall plot) - but we have been talking about the potential structure (threads vs bridges), not to mention types (carranam, soul, true, or one for powerful offspring), of bonds for quite a while now, and HOSAB seemed to support those theories.
Further reading, if you're interested:
Elriel were originally mates: here, here and here
Bonds/threads and bridges: here, here, and here
Types of bonds: here
Posts by myself, @silverlinedeyes, @elriell and @icedflames.
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yanny-77 · 1 year
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The golden glow of the string connecting their souls faded until it was nothing more than ordinary twine.
^Sneak Peak at tomorrow’s chapter of A Tragedy of Fawns & Fate.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/40606749/chapters/101738592
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starsreminisce · 18 days
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I didn’t intend for this to be so long I apologize in advance😭
Have you or anyone mentioned this before?
What if when Elain and Lucien had their ambiguous meetup in WAR,.. what if Elain wanted to give Lucien a peck or a hug and be in the comfort of her stranger(!) mate and was drawn to him in a way she couldn’t fathom which is why she now keeps clear of him. It’s not hate, it could be confusion. People really exaggerate her being freaked out of the feeling of the bond. It is because SHE IS AWARE of it. We know this, Elain knows this, Lucien knows this, her sisters know this… there’s no need for readers to be all shocked pikachu face about Elain currently not wanting to be around Lucien. Nesta and Feyre or mostly anyone (especially someone like Elain who misses their old life) would’ve reacted similarly. If you’re only seeing the couple/pair and not the individual, isn’t it then harder to figure out what motivates that individual? Elain’s decision-making won’t have to do with someone else, that’s her own thing. What happens after a couple is formed is another thing (i.e. Feyre in TAR and MAF vs Feyre in WAR and SF where she makes plenty of decisions as a unit with Rhys aka when a couple gives into one another fully)
Yk, I can imagine it’s much scarier when you feel a pull to someone while knowing that somehow you both are connected biologically.. and they happen to be someone you just met. Feyre and Nesta were scared too when they found out they had mates! Heck they were a little intimidated when they first met the guys who were going to be their mates (duh they were among scary fae)
I think people tend to forget that Feyre and Nesta also took their time at different points of their own journey and in their relationships to figure out what kind of future they wanted. And they did this while away from their mates (i.e. Feyre accepted the bond before she gave Rhys her heart and body, so a more traditional romance approach, while she was alone at the cabin. And Nesta wanted to keep it strictly physical w/o the bond. Meaning keeping her heart/feelings out of it bc of her low self-worth. The aftermath of her fight w/ Cassian was spent with Emerie and Gwyn).
It’s actually perfect that Lucien is constantly away from Elain right now because otherwise it would all be much harder for her to process the situation she’s in. This exact courtesy given to Feyre and to Nesta by the author (all of this isn’t my thought I know this point has been made a lot!). Again, if we only think in terms of romance and not the individual then it’s going to be harder to understand why a character is making a certain choice
Idk how readers are interpreting these male characters but do they really think these males are they type to be like “we are now bound together, accept the bond or else; you must obey and come with me” I mean, SJM even found a way for Rhys to whisk away Feyre with her consent!
I think SJM likes showing different ways mates end up together and she’ll “select” a couple to demonstrate that. For example, Feysand= mates which one person isn’t aware of the bond because they grew up human, and it snapped for the fae without them revealing it to their mate and etc, etc. Elain and Lucien just happen to be the fated mates who had their bond snapped before they knew who the other was! Honestly SJM could’ve had any of her other couples go through with this. But also maybe there’s a specific reason- which she knows- for why she choose it for Elucien. Maybe it fits their characters best?
Authors are just puppet masters pulling at strings and coming up with possibilities y’all! There’s no need to act like these characters were done dirty because it was designed that way, pls for the love of the Mother. All that means is you have a problem with the story or writing and that’s not gonna change. So maybe it’s best for some people to look for other content?
Anyway- Elain is right now in the series taking the time to figure out what she wants (like her sisters did when they learned of their bonds!!) Maybe SJM could’ve elaborated with Feyre and Nesta and how they considered their options for the future? Lets be fr there’s a few details that SJM leaves out which tends to be important for the readers but not to her (maybe). But anyways the difference with Elain? She’s taking her time to decide and figure out the bond situation outside of her own book. As soon as Elain’s book is out why would she need to be away from Lucien any longer? Feyre had reason to be away from Rhys in MAF.- tamlin, her human life, etc. Nesta wanted to stay away from Cass at the beginning of SF because what even is a mate plus her self-worth issues. Do we wanna see this again with an Archeron in a whole book or rather it happening in the sidelines this time around? I mean with an Elain (Elucien) book they then have to be near each other at some point. NOW their story is beginning. I just expect it to have a happy ending:) <— Elain staying away from Lucien now but not later isn’t an original thought, I know this point has been made by many blogs!! Sooo I think this is what SJM is doing. Keeping them at a distance in the meantime. Because they won’t need it at some point.
It’s going to be different in Elain’s book because who wants a repeat of how Feyre and Nesta dealt with their bonds and their mates! We want some difference in the romance with each couple and how they handle big revelations! Authors love stepping out of their norm and showing variety, surely SJM will do that!
P.S this msg had a lot going on so if there’s anything you’d like clarification for pls feel free to say so :)
It's all good!
If there is one thing that SJM appears to have an issue with regarding fated pairs, it's the idea of instant love that often comes with fated mate tropes. She weaves into her narrative a desire to demonstrate why these pairs are perfect for each other and what her idea of a perfect match looks like.
As Elriel shippers and other non-shippers begin to realize, the bond itself serves as the primary conflict in Elain and Lucien’s story. It's something they both will tackle and eventually come to accept because this bond is now an intrinsic part of them. That's what I personally anticipate and look forward to in their story.
Upon rereading ACOMAF, I found my perspective shifted. Despite Feyre and Rhysand's bond snapping after Under the Mountain, Feyre still entertained thoughts of her upcoming wedding and pondered her future alongside Tamlin, all while feeling guilty and inexplicably drawn to Rhys. It wasn't until spending more time with Rhysand that Feyre began to recognize their shared desire to protect loved ones. This shift in perspective was crucial for Feyre, who grappled with her past actions, including the deaths of innocent faeries, and came to the realization that Rhysand had supported her far more than Tamlin had during her trials.
Rhysand's actions spoke volumes about his commitment to Feyre, even when she was unaware of his feelings. Conversely, it's somewhat frustrating when critics question why Lucien didn't do more for Feyre, especially when ACOMAF emphasizes the unique and profound nature of the mating bond. Lucien's efforts to support Feyre are acknowledged, but it's clear that Rhysand played a significant role in keeping her grounded. Similarly, Lucien's understanding of Elain's needs and his efforts to help her, such as demanding she be exposed to sunlight in ACOWAR, further illustrate the difference of their connection.
While there are limitations to the bond, it's unfair to hold Lucien to the same standard as Rhysand. Lucien and Feyre share a close bond, but they are not mates. Their relationship is distinct from Feyre's bond with Rhysand, which offers a unique level of support and understanding.
Similarly, Lucien demonstrated his understanding of Elain's needs in ACOWAR by demanding she be brought outside to the sun, just as Rhysand knew the music and images of the Night Court would help Feyre.
The passage of time is felt more keenly in Elucien's story compared to Feysand's and Nessian's. Feyre met Rhysand in Calanmai, saw him only once after a month, and then spent much of her time with Rhys Under the Mountain in a drugged state before returning home. It was only after two months that Rhys called in the bargain after Feyre reached out for help.
Nessian isn't exempt from this, either. There were four months between the war and Nesta and Cassian's confrontation, followed by another nine months before Cassian was sent to Nesta's apartment under orders for an intervention.
The difference lies in our experience of Elucien's time apart from each other. They are still included in other's stories, whereas we receive only a brief mention of the time lapse before the start of Feysand's and Nessian's story.
I often wonder if Nesta's and Elain's story drew inspiration from ACOMAF as some sort of "what if" scenario. For instance, what if Rhysand had decided to rescue Feyre himself, considering he kept hearing her vomiting, and that's what ACOSF explores? Or what if Rhysand hadn't winnowed away after their bond snapped after Under the Mountain, but instead blurted out to Feyre, rather than Mor, that she was his mate? Then Feyre went back to the Spring Court knowing she was Rhysand's mate. That is the essence of Elucien's story.
SJM does love to show the variations of the bond snapping. For instance, Kallias and Vivianne's bond snapped after they were married, Miryam was a slave present to Drakon, and Drakon set her free. Miryam had a relationship with Jurian, and while Jurian was seducing Clythia, that's when Miryam's and Drakon's bond snapped. We don't know when Tamlin's parents' bond snapped, but we do know that Rhysand's parents' bond snapped the first time they met, and Rhysand's father did not give his mother the freedom to decide what to do, even after he had saved her.
Elain is the only one among the sisters who knew about the bond firsthand. She knows that whatever she is feeling towards Lucien is a result of that bond. It's interesting to note that both Elain and Lucien, who spent most of their lives suppressing their needs and settling in their environments, have similar experiences. Lucien was severely punished for making waves, whereas Elain grew up with two sisters with big personalities who had no issues rocking the boat. Consequently, Elain does what she can to avoid being a problem. This is where the conflict of the bond comes in - Elain was engaged to someone she loved despite the short amount of time to be told “well, actually, your soulmate is this person. That person who told you that they love you actually hates you because of what you are now.”
This is also the first scenario where Elain actually gets to tell someone what to do. She isn't trying to argue against or support someone. For the first time, Lucien is giving her autonomy for the decision and the space to make it.
I personally believe that SJM was so confident in her match between Elain and Lucien that she mated them almost instantly, pulling back any further conversation beyond their initial discussion. In ACOSF, Cassian and Nesta primarily think of them as a package deal because whenever Elain does something, there's usually a comment about where Lucien is or isn't. It's also extremely telling that their only interaction in the book is with Lucien still looking at her with longing, while Elain acts the opposite towards the only person she cannot hide her real emotions from.
If Elain wouldn't reject the bond in someone else's book, including the novella that includes multiple people, then we should also be asking why Elain would act a certain way towards Lucien, except for the one thing that will absolutely cement that we know she doesn't like him.
It's been two years since it was revealed that Elain and Lucien are mates. The reason why she resisted this long deserves more than a hundred pages (roughly part one) of her book.
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bookofmirth · 2 months
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Hello! I was wondering if you could clarify something for me about acotar mating bonds. Azriel mentions in the bonus chapter that the cauldron could be wrong, and he could actually be Elain’s mate. I’m confused why he’s connecting mating bonds to the cauldron, when the cauldron has never been implied to have created mating bonds before? Rhys had dreams of Feyre when she was a human even if the mating bond only clicked into place for him after she became fae. I interpreted this is meaning that Feyre and Rhys were always mates, the bond just didn’t click into place until she was Made, but the bond itself has nothing to do with the actual cauldron. With Elain and Lucien, I also thought it was obvious that the bond clicks into place right after she is Made not because of the cauldron creating the bond, but because it’s the first time they’re meeting face to face or because she’s now fae. Is there something I’m missing about the link between the cauldron and mating bonds? It has been a few years since i last read the original trilogy
Hello friend! I was actually just writing something about this in the last ask I was answering and held off, but here goes!
Azriel saying "what if the Cauldron is wrong" is him speaking out of desperation. Whether you think he's desperate for Elain or for a mate in general is neither here not there - he's clearly emotional and lonely.
Here is what Rhys says in acowar, when he and Feyre are having a discussion about where bonds come from:
“What decides it? Who decides it?” Rhys straightened his lapels before plucking an invisible piece of lint from them. “Fate, the Mother, the Cauldron’s swirling eddies …”
Rhys, the most powerful High Lord in history and often our source of knowledge about the world, doesn't know where mating bonds come from. And this was an actual conversation about where the mating bond comes from, not an offhand comment from someone who is sad and upset.
So why would we take Azriel's words, when in context they are not even having a discussion of how the world works, over the words of Rhys, when he is trying to discuss what he understands about his world and the mating bond with his mate, discussing Elain's mating bond?
Honestly, we've been having this argument for ages. You're right, mates are mates from birth, not after they are Made.
Rhys dreams about Feyre before she even crossed the wall.
Cassian was drawn to Nesta even when she was a human.
Lucien tried to help Elain before she was Made by the Cauldron. He literally broke a spell trying to go to her.
And one reason people think Ruhn and Lidia are mates is because they were able to find one another psychically before they even met in person.
There are probably other examples of this, that's just off the top of my head. Anyone can feel free to add on!
One more point that I mentioned in the last ask, and it wasn't mine but I can't remember who said this initially - the Cauldron made the acotar world, yeah? If the Cauldron makes mating bonds, then there likely wouldn't be mating bonds in Erilea or Midgard because the Cauldron is in the acotar world. It's something bigger, more far-reaching, that creates mating bonds.
But let's be real - sjm is what makes mating bonds. She decides "hey this couple is going to be endgame" and then it just works, magically, which is probably why Rhys didn't have a real reason to explain them. And we have to have the contrast of mating bonds that are incompatible to highlight the fact that, despite fate, people do have a choice in her stories.
The fact that people can say "no", is what makes the "yes" meaningful.
I don't expect this argument to go anywhere any time soon, unfortunately. But I can tell you that hofas only reinforces the fact that sjm loves mating bonds, that once she mates a couple they are endgame, and people are just going to be in denial for however long they feel like. I'm not going to tag that as a spoiler because hofas was basically just sjm doing the same things she's always done, no surprises in terms of the big things she likes to write in romantic relationships.
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sereia1313 · 2 years
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If I Die Young
For the lovely @shortfry, hope you have a wonderful day!
Summary: Her power was weak, the last of it being used to heal her superficial wounds, and hope spurred his hands into action. Tenseiga pulsed, but it was not the same as it had been for Rin, and Sesshoumaru hesitated. After all the miko had done, his father’s fang would dare refuse her aid?
Cursing his sire, Sesshoumaru unsheathed the sword, sunlight dimming as the chains of death came into view. Every limb was shackled, the glow around the one attached to her heart dimming. 
The imps were not present. 
Was he too late?
Inspiration: "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry
Read it on Ao3, Dokuga, and FFnet.
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mikrokosmos-fics · 3 months
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sorry about the blood in your mouth (i wish it were mine) by fatal (cumrich)
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thelov3lybookworm · 16 days
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As a slut for angst today “tolerate it” has been stuck on a loop and now I am imaging an angsty fic where Az just slowly begins to forget about reader and she threatens to leave but he doesn’t take her seriously and is so utterly destroyed when he comes back home and she’s gone…
Like I feel like it’s on brand with him and his duty to his job and whatnot. Plus the lyrics are so him coded “while you were out building worlds where was I” / “took this dagger in me and removed it” LIKE HELLO???
(But I also love a good happy ending so I feel like if azzy groveled hard enough… 👀)
Tolerate it.
Summary: She is fed up.
•○●⛦●○•
A/n: ehehehehehe angsttttt yummy yummyyyy
Enjoy!
•○🌑○•
Y/n laughed at Feyre's pathetic attempts at skipping the large puddle on the ground accumulated due to the rains that had Velaris freezing overnight.
Feyre failed miserably, her boots and leggings getting wet from the splash that signalled her downfall against the watery enemy of hers. But Feyre was not fazed. She simply laughed alongside Y/n, her eyes crinkling as the two of them made their way back to the river house.
It was visible already now, Y/n could even make out the grains in the wood of the door as it opened, and her brother in laws, along with her mate, spilled out.
Y/n could see from the corner of her eyes as her sister lit up at seeing her mate, her husband and the father of her child. The moment his eyes met her, she took off, her arms spread as she ran up to him and threw her arms around his neck. Rhysand did not hold back either, clutching Feyre to her chest with as much enthusiasm as she held him.
It made Y/n smile.
Y/n then glanced behind the embracing couple to her mate, the overwhelming urge to hug him too and to claim him in front of anyone watching making her start walking towards him without even realising.
Which was reckless, as the moment he realised she was walking towards him to hug him? He took a step back.
Y/n knew that he hated being affectionate in front of others, but this was cruel.
So to not get embarrassed by his rejection, Y/n turned swiftly towards Cassian, her other brother in law, who stood not too far from where Azriel did, and hugged him instead.
Cassian, Mother bless his heart, did not even question it.
He wrapped his arms around Y/n and literally lifted her off the ground, cackling when Y/n's fist made contact with his shoulder over and over again as she demanded to be put down.
Y/n had to stop herself from thinking back to that day. She did not want to relive the pain she had felt, the sadness and anger.
Y/n watched his eyes fluttering, wondering if he was dreaming. Wondering who he was dreaming about.
It definitely was not her, that was for sure.
Y/n, feeing a little sadness taking root in her heart, returned to the portrait in her hands, questioning if it would even be worth it finishing it up when he sure as hell wouldn't even acknowledge it. Or her.
Y/n glanced at the paint supplies she had placed on the coffee table next to her, having wanted to capture a moment of him letting his guard down, of him being vulnerable using her best paints, knowing he would not care.
She guessed living for as long as he had, life and the small things didn't matter as much anymore. Maybe that was why he loved to go on the missions Rhysand, Y/n's brother in law, gave him.
It probably gave him the thrill nothing else did anymore.
With Y/n's sister just having given birth to the starlight of the court, Rhys had become more and more protective, sending his brothers and anyone and everyone at his disposal to check and report about every trivial thing that made his primal mate and father side get protective.
Slowly, Y/n reached for the brush that rested in the cup half filled with coloured water, deciding to finish the half done portrait. If he did not care... she did not now what she would do then, but she did know she was tired of being tolerated by him.
But what could she even do? It was not like she could just up and leave.
Y/n blinked.
Or... could she?
Y/n shook her head, as if to dislodge the though, and with a sigh, she let herself get lost in the soft skill of painting her sister had taught her long ago, when staying up and huddling under worn blankets was the only thing bringing any warmth.
Trying not to think about the fact that the last time she remembered him caring for her, genuinely caring for her, was only when the two had been in their early stages of relation ship and the mating bond was a very new experience to a newly made fae Y/n, she continued using the soft and strong, long and short strokes to finish up her latest masterpiece.
Of course, Y/n never would call herself a creator of masterpieces, but any and all art that included her perfect mate was destined to be a masterpiece.
Time lost its meaning, and all that mattered was capturing the perfect angle for his eyes, nose, lips, shoulder.
Nothing existed but Y/n, her art, and her muse.
Nothing existed but the soft rise and fall of his back as he lay sprawled on his stomach, the effortless way his wings draped across the whole bed, taking up space three wingless fae could have slept in.
Where Y/n would have slept in, on days when everything had been filled with stars and dreams, wrapped under his warm wing like it were a living blanket.
When he pretended he was nothing, absolutely nothing but her mate. Her husband. Not a spymaster, not a shadowsinger, not a brother. Just her mate, her lover.
Those days were far gone now.
•○🌑○•
Despite the fact that she knew he would most definitely not care, Y/n was excited.
And that was downplaying what she felt.
The wait was killing her, the amount of adrenaline in her bloodstream making her want to jump around to get rid of the energy that made her shiver, her limbs going cold and warm at the same time. She had to push her fists together and shove them between her thighs to keep them from shaking, which did not help at all.
So Y/n waited, her body clenched in anticipation as she stared at the doorway that led into the living room, a big grin on her face.
She glanced once at the sketchpad in front of her on the table, admiring her artwork for a moment.
She never liked whatever she made, always feeling like it lacked something. So for her to be excited to show off her art to her mate was a huge indication to how much she loved the portrait.
The familiar scuff of worn boots drew Y/n's attention, and she shot to her feet, pressing her fists to the back of her thighs.
It had become a habit of Azriel's, to purposefully make some noise before he stepped in view so as not to startle her with his appearance.
The action melted Y/n's heart every single time.
He stepped into view, as ethereal as the day Y/n had first seen him as a human, just as beautiful as he had looked that day as he tried to get comfortable on the small chair in the manor on the other side of the wall, just as loveable as that day when she had ended up losing her heart to the low born fae that should have intimated her.
He was fumbling with his armor, making sure it was all secured properly before he left for whatever mission Rhys assigned him for that day.
He glanced up just as he walked past Y/n to the kitchen counter, a small smile gracing his face before his attention was again diverted.
Y/n tried not to deflate at his lack of enthusiasm.
"Good morning love. Look-"
"Good morning Y/n." He cut her off, his voice void of emotions, as if he was tired of saying the same thing every morning and wanted to get it over with. He didn't even glance at Y/n as he said it, and Y/n pretended not to notice that he used her name instead of whatever endearing name he would have picked before.
"I will be on a scouting trip to Illyria, and after I have a meeting and dinner scheduled with Rhys and Cass, so I will be late coming home. Don't wait up."
Y/n's smile faded. "Don't wait up or stay out of my way?"
Azriel froze. "What?"
Y/n released a humourless laugh. "Nothing. Go have fun."
Azriel turned, giving her a hard look. "You know I would rather stay at home with you."
Doubtful.
Y/n so badly wanted to say it to his face, but she did not want to fight with him so early in the morning, so she sighed, smiled and nodded.
He started walking towards the door, and despite her anger, Y/n walked forward to kiss his cheek.
She did not miss how he recoiled.
Y/n masked the hurt before he could see it, and he gave her an awkward smile before he maneuvered to walk around her, careful not to brush against her.
Y/n watched him walk away, staring hard at the door even long after he'd left.
She then glanced at the portrait she had abandoned on the table, and, her heart hardening, turned away.
She was tired of having her love be tolerated, and she would not have it be that way anymore.
Either he accept her love the way it was, loud and clear, or he go find someone else.
And so, she turned, walked up the stairs to the bedchambers she shared with Azriel, and began to turn it back into just his bedchambers.
She would no longer be tolerated only because some godly entity thought she and him would make great, powerful kids and tied them together with a string.
She deserved to be cherished.
•○🌑○•
Taglist: @bubybubsters @eos-princess @nightless @harrystylesfan2686 @cassie6392 @kennedy-brooke @tele86 @miluiel1 @hnyclover @minnieoo @sidrapotter @piceous21 @mybestfriendmademe @saltedcoffeescotch @eve175
Azriel Taglist: @darthdumbasss @foreverrandomwritings @azrielsmate3 @celestialend
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