ju-vondy

[ju-vondy]

ELUCIEN | GWYNRIEL — MAASVERSE SPOILERS

I tend to see posts and videos from a multitude of people who seem to be reluctant to accept foreshadowing in the ACOTAR books—specifically regarding the endgame couples to finish out the overall series. As this post is simply beating a dead horse down, I find that it is very much needed as a specific group of people lack the capacity to understand the books.

Foreshadowing is not meant to be obvious. There are, of course, cases where it is relatively obvious, but only within the parameters of back-to-back scenes. Foreshadowing is meant to be picked up on, but to be fully understand later on in the story when everything comes to fruition. Examples of foreshadowing include color descriptions, specific use of language, emphasis on certain scenes, emphasis surrounding specific objects, et cetera. If something happens obviously and you can read the scene as-is, it is not foreshadowing.

I see many people who ship Elriel claim that there is buildup across the entire series that foreshadows why they will be endgame. As the books do not support that claim, it is outlandish and a spread of misinformation. Allow me to disprove this theory using the books alone:

— 🌸 ACOTAR: Zero interactions between Elain and Azriel as Azriel had not been introduced as a character yet. This book highlighted Feyre surmising that Elain would thrive within the Spring Court, that her sister enjoyed typical emissary work, and instead introduced Lucien as a character.

— 🦢 ACOMAF: This is the first book where Elain and Azriel met, as is this is where many Elriels like to claim that the Elriel build-up begins. However, this book says otherwise. Elain and Azriel’s first meeting is neutral, quiet conversation to ease a tense situation as Nesta/Feyre/Cassian/Rhys were creating an uncomfortable atmosphere and Elain meant to ease it. This book highlighted how in love Azriel was with Mor and how Elain was engaged to Grayson. Many Elriels also claim that the color of Elain’s dress in this first meeting—being cobalt—is indicative of endgame between she and Azriel. However, cobalt is also the signature color of Grayson’s family crest. Their interactions die out after that first meeting and instead focus on Feysand again. The throne room scene in Hybern also showed the beginning of Elucien and their mate bond, while Azriel was on the floor reaching for Mor. (I go more into this on my Tik Tok page: @oristian)

— 🔥 ACOWAR: When Feyre returns to the Night Court after her month in Spring, she finds that Elain has been within a catatonic state for the entirety of that month and has shown no signs of recovering—that is, until Lucien came along. Elain began eating and moving around once he came and after tugging on the mating bond, her visions first started showing. themselves. Everyone likes to credit Azriel for most of this, but all that Azriel did (take her to the garden) was suggested previously by Lucien. Lucien, who was not able to be alone with her due to Nesta and Feyre. Next, everyone tends to say that Azriel “saw” Elain when he named her power. “What we need is …” Contradicts such a thing. Naming a power does not cure someone of their trauma. Lucien is also canonically the first character to take Elain’s visions seriously and went in search of Vassa, ultimately finding Papa Archeron and creating an even deeper connection into the Koschei plot arc with Elain. This is also where we get the iconic half-step on the stair scene.

Elain is now kidnapped by the cauldron portraying itself as Graysen—Elain wanting so badly to be with her previous lover. This is a scene where many Elriels claim that it is supportive of Elriel being endgame. However, it is within character for Azriel to save someone, especially people close to him. Certainly, Elain being appreciative of being saved and kissing him on the cheek is cute, but that is not enough “foreshadowing” for an endgame. Next, Azriel hands her Truth Teller after Elain refused other weapons. Elain is hesitant and only agrees to take it once Feyre chimes in that she will not have to use it. Juxtapose this with Elain immediately giving it back after the battle is over, not saying a word, and instead falling into conversation with Lucien. Lucien, who is canonically the only character to credit her for assisting with ending the King of Hybern.

— 🌨️ ACOFAS: This is the buffer book that was meant to do two things: Establish Nessian as the next couple for the following book, and establish a clear love triangle between Azriel/Elain/Lucien. Elriels use this book to drive the idea of an Elriel endgame. While this book has scenes between Elain and Azriel, there is unfortunately no foreshadowing present enough to support that claim. This novella emphasizes, from a conversation between Rhys and Feyre, that Azriel may be inclined towards Elain due to her having traits that may remind him of his mother (Freud). We also have Solstice where Lucien brings Elain a gift—a gift that fully reflects her interests—Elain brings Azriel a gift, but Azriel does not bring Elain a gift. Azriel even questioning beforehand if he has to get the sisters a gift at all. Elain’s gift being superficial and more of a joke than anything truly meaningful to them as a relationship.

— 🗡️ ACOSF: The book that ended Elriel. We have this book set up as PRE-BONUS CHAPTER | BONUS CHAPTER | POST BONUS CHAPTER. In the pre-bonus chapter, we have a few scenes between Elain and Azriel that is a glance, or a very small interaction. The infamous scene that Elriels like to use to “prove” that his shadows actually like Elain is the scene where Cassian says that Nesta upset Elain and his shadows seemed poised to strike. His shadows reacted to his anger, not to Elain. Next, the Solstice scene where Azriel refused to be within the room due to the mating bond between Elain and Lucien and Nesta seeing that he was interested in Elain—which is never brought up again, however we do get a scene post bonus chapter of Nesta encouraging Gwyn and Azriel by calling him the “new ribbon.”

The bonus chapter ended Elriel officially as endgame. The chapter is told from Azriel’s POV and documents his lustful thoughts of Elain and how he wants a mate, hurt and confused why his brothers had two of the Archeron sisters and the third was given away to another male. Rhysand even asking Azriel what his plans are after seducing Elain and Azriel having none “past the fantasies he pleasures himself to.” This is also a chapter where Elriels like to claim that Elriel is a forbidden romance. ACOWAR Rhys clearly objects to this being the case. (I have a video on my Tik Tok going over this @oristian) The bonus chapter then moves to Azriel finding Gwyn, his shadows not warning him of her presence at the HoW. His shadows are curious about her and dance with her breath. Azriel then finds out that Elain rejected his necklace—the only Solstice gift that he has gotten her, and one he expressed as “nothing extraordinary”—and the next morning finds him re-gifting such to Gwyn. Azriel can picture her eyes lighting up at the gift and he smiles—this is also where mate language is used to describe the spark in his chest at the thought of her and the glow of the thought. “A thing of secret, lovely beauty.” A line that was used twice—one to describe the necklace, and another time to describe the thought of Gwyn.

Post bonus chapter has zero interactions between Elain and Azriel. The interactions between Azriel and Gwyn are charged and witty. Energetic. This is also where we see Azriel’s siphons glowing darker at the thought of the Valkyries in the Great Rite—the first instance that this has happened.

Next, we go into the last two remaining plot arcs: Koschei and Dusk Court. Both ACOSF and HOFAS have set Nesta up as the driver for the Dusk Court arc, with Azriel as the character to follow. With SJM’s Bloomsbury contract slating her to have two more main books with dual POV romantic interests, the Dusk Court arc book would only make sense having Gwyn and Azriel as the FMC and MMC of that arc. The Koschei arc has been carefully crafted for Elain and Lucien to be the FMC and MMC of that book, with both of them being set up for this since ACOWAR. Elain with her visions of Vassa, the lake, and Koschei’s black box, and Lucien being tied to Papa Archeron and Vassa and the mortals. (I have a video on my Tik Tok that goes more in depth with this @oristian)

— SUMMARY: Elain and Azriel do not have multiple books of foreshadowing, a Gwynriel and Elucien endgame is not fanservice, and the remaining two plot arcs do not support an Elriel endgame. If you have any problems with that, take it up with SJM.

[ju-vondy]

The text I wish I could draw to every Elriel shipper:

What Azriel feels about Elain is lust. The need to fill a void and nothing more. He's desperate because his loved so-called brothers found their mates who ironically were sisters but the third sister wasn't give to him. But what we do know is that Azriel WANTS a mate: this has already become clear at several points in the narrative of the books.

The mating bond is SO much deeper than lust. It's so BEYOND. Azriel will never feel a mating bond snapping with Elain, and guess why? Because she ALREADY HAS A BOND WITH ANOTHER FUCKING MALE. That is true: everyone can smell it, even Azriel can.

So, let Azriel kiss and f*ck with Elain how many time he wants... That will NEVER be a mating bond (that he desperately wants) at the end of the day. That will never be the connection he wants. And I wouldn't bother to see a scene of them going to bed together: I've seen Feyre having s*x with Tamlin, Aelin with Chaol, etc. etc. But did that EVER influenced the end? No. Once them found their partners the past didn't mattered anymore, for God's sake!!

And SJM has already made it clear that when she thinks about "pairing mates together" she always looks for who has the most things in common and also the two people must have a dynamic where one CHALLENGES the other. Like that dog and cat dynamic. Sarah loves writing "bunters."

Do you really think Elain will challenge Azriel, seriously? HOW?! She doesn't fight. She hates violence. She has zero personality. She has no interest in training (seriously, she could have literally shown up at the House to visit Nesta and signed up to participate in the training... But she didn't, clearly because taking care of the garden is more interesting than learning to defend herself, right? LOL). Elain likes SUNSHINE, flowers, baking, gardening, delicate things. Azriel has NOTHING to do with that.

Now: Gwyn is one of those hyperactive people, with orange cat energy. She is the total opposite of Azriel when it comes to communication hahaha and that would be REALLY COOL to see. She being plugged in at 220W and he getting lost thinking "Damn, how can this beautiful thing talk so much?" 😄👐🏻 Gwyn, with this personality, would simply take Azriel out of his comfort zone. Isn't that what SJM likes, after all??! People who challenge each other.

Not to mention Gwyn has a very good sense of humor. That day of the Solstice, Azriel could have simply been rude to her, but he decided to stay and start a conversation with her, joking: "Are you kicking me out?" And soon after, when Azriel said that he had forgotten his dagger and couldn't sleep without it, Gwyn didn't think twice before joking "Ah yes, a comfort for every growing child" and Azriel laughed. Gwyn has a sharp tongue and it would be lovely seeing Azriel losing his mind to it.

Gwyn, like Azriel, is interested in combat. She became the first Valkyrie after hundreds of years (Azriel himself looked at her with admiration when she was about to cut the ribbon) Gwyn likes to sing, Azriel too. She was PISSED when Azriel sneered saying that they wouldn't be able to overcome the obstacles and therefore hadn't thought of a prize for them. Gwyn is competitive and we know that Azriel is too, as Cassian and Rhysand have never managed to defeat him in snowball fights in all these years. Azriel is a master spy, Gwyn spent literally hours sitting up in the trees spying on opponents and monsters when she was in the Rite.

That's and we're the reason why after reading ACOSF I stopped thinking about being Elriel and I'm rooting for the little redhead to be the boy Az's endgame.

She's so much more compatible with him! I liked the idea of Elriel because he had that "forbidden thing" going on and all, but honestly? It would be too cruel to Lucien. And Azriel is too loyal to Rhysand to disobey his orders. Azriel himself said that he didn't go that far with his plans, the only thing he thought about was bitching.

In other words: Az only thinks of Elain as a source of pleasure. But a partnership bond is not that. A bond of partnership is someone who challenges you, complements you and supports you. That's what I want for Az: someone he looks at and admires for who she is, and not just because he feels horny and wants to see how the female will react when he's inside her 🙄😮‍💨

Another thing: I don't want to see him getting some female whose his shadows DISAPPEAR when she is around. That would be too boring! Literally, the bonus chapter already gave us everything: on one page we see the shadows shrinking through Elain's breath and minutes later one of those same shadows intertwines with Gwyn's condensed breathing. And it wasn't just Azriel who calmed down after that conversation, it was the shadows too.

I'm not here saying that Azriel ALREADY DIES IN LOVE with Gwyn, for God's sake! How do you have selective interpretation, right, sweet Elriels?! Guys, Gwyn just appeared in the story (and has already attracted more attention than the plant in 4 books LOL, cry less!) And it's clear that she still has so much to develop! The whole thing just started, you know?

Sarah said she's leaving "crumbs" and "clues" along the way, and clearly the vocabulary says it all. What examples of hints can we notice? The "spark" Azriel felt in his chest and the image glowing quietly even if he buried it down deep. Sarah at one point in the narrative emphasized that Gwyn was "willing to erase Azriel and Cassian's arrogant smiles. Especially Azriel's." Why not let the narration die there in the penultimate sentence? Why did Sarah add *especially Azriel's*? Look at the DYNAMICS there my people 🗣️🗣️🗣️🤏🏻

Also, when Nesta hear Gwyn's singing she describes as if Gwyn's voice was claiming to be freed, to let go! As if there's something inside Gwyn that need to be developed. And Sarah has never been one to leave things loose. Anyway, let's see what fate awaits us!

#gwynriel #pro gwynriel #gwyneth berdara #acosf #azriel #sarah j maas #anti elriel #elucien #acotar

[ju-vondy]

Gwyn and Azriel in ACOSF

I figured I'd put together a little post of Gwyn and Azriel moments throughout ACOSF, outside the Azriel bonus chapter, so that others could see why us Gwynriels ship them without needing the bonus chapter.

These moments include looks that others notice or just them looking at each other, interactions of them together, and just moments I find foreshadowing for them.

Without further ado:

♧ Gwyn had been distracted today—one eye on the other side of the ring. Cassian could only assume she was watching his brother, who had given Gwyn a small smile of greeting upon arrival. Gwyn hadn’t returned it. - Chapter 39

♧ Gwyn let out a high-pitched noise that was nothing but pure excitement. Azriel, on the other side of the ring with the rest of the priestesses, half-turned at the sound, brows high. - Chapter 44

♧ He nodded to Gwyn and Emerie, the former glancing toward Azriel, who watched in silence.

“We slice the ribbon in two,” Emerie asked Gwyn warily, “and our training is complete?” Gwyn again glanced to Azriel, who drifted closer. She said, “I’m not entirely sure.” - Chapter 51

♧ Azriel had winnowed her and Cassian here after training, but hadn’t lingered. Apparently, Gwyn wanted him to go over dagger handling, so he’d left them with a promise to return in an hour. - Chapter 55

♧ Cassian glanced over at Az, but his attention was fixed on the young priestess, admiration and quiet encouragement shining from his face. - Chapter 60

♧ Azriel went wholly still, as if he, too, had felt the shift. As if he, too, were aware that far larger forces peered into that training ring as Gwyn moved. - Chapter 60

♧ Azriel clapped his hands, and all the females straightened. “You’ll work in groups of three.”

Gwyn asked Az, her teal eyes bright, “What do we get if we finish the course?”

Az’s shadows danced around him. “Since there’s no chance in hell any of you will finish the course, we didn’t bother to get a prize.”

Boos sounded. Gwyn lifted her chin in challenge. “We look forward to proving you wrong.” - Chapter 60

♧ Gwyn threw Azriel a withering stare as she strode past him. “See you tomorrow, Shadowsinger,” she tossed over a shoulder. Az stared after her, brows high with amusement. When he turned back, Nesta grinned. “You have no idea what you just started,” she said. Az angled his head, hazel eyes narrowing as Gwyn reached the archway.

“Remember how Gwyn was with the ribbon?” Nesta winked and clapped the shadowsinger on the shoulder. “You’re the new ribbon, Az.” - Chapter 60

♧ “There are plenty of other unspeakable things that could be happening to her,” Cassian said, voice thickening. “To Emerie and Gwyn.” The shadows deepened around Azriel, his Siphons gleaming like cobalt fire. “You—we—trained them well, Cassian. Trust in that. It’s all we can do.” - Chapter 68

♧ “Azriel slaughtered all of them within moments. He didn’t hesitate. But I could barely move, and when I tried to get up … He gave me his cloak and wrapped me in it." - Chapter 68

^That is confirmed by Cassian from Chapter 14 when he said “I heard that Mor had brought one in. Azriel was the one who made it out there first, and he killed any of the Hybern soldiers left, but by that point …”

While these scenes do not have romantic feelings or connotations, I would rather have Gwyn and Azriel romance built upon in their book, and there is potential from these scenes to have that happen.

Now, I might be forgetting some so if I have.... please leave a comment, or even reblog, with the scene 🥰

[ju-vondy]

We really need a “who did this to you” trope when Elain finally sees the scars on Lucien’s back

[ju-vondy]

I absolutely love this part of ACOSF when Gwyn’s the first one to cut the ribbon. The wording is so good, especially if SJM is going the Gwynriel route. Like yeah, things were going one way but then Gwyn showed up and everything changed.

“As if he, too, were aware that larger forces peered into that training ring as Gwyn moved.”

I don’t know about y’all, but that sounds like mate behavior to me. That’s an endgame couple.

Also, equating her to winds of Illyria & the Sidra AND singing?? All things associated with a certain little Shadowsinger? Oh, SJM, I see you.

[ju-vondy]

At first it was “Gwyn is a lightsinger who lures people to do what she wants. She’s been using her powers this whole time even if she doesn’t know it. It’s why she glows when she sings!! She also lied about her SA so we’ll feel bad about her! She wants to separate Elain and Azriel!!”

But now it’s “Gwyn is an SA victim! You can’t ship her with Azriel because she didn’t consent to it! That’s gross and very disrespectful to irl SA victims! Shame on you!!”

That’s why I’ll never take the Elriel shippers seriously.

[ju-vondy]

Sarah retconned Sangravah to have Azriel rescue Gwyn to create their own history together.

In the bonus chapter of Azriel, he wouldn't consider Gwyn a friend BUT this happens after his encounter with Clotho: Something sparked in Azriel's chest.....He could picture it, though, as he ascended the stairs back to  the House proper. How Gwyn's teal eyes might light upon seeing the necklace. For whatever reason... he could see it. There is that initial spark before their interactions pick up throughout the rest of ACOSF and he's thinking of Gwyn's teal eyes for whatever reason.... setting the groundwork for chemistry there maybe?

Sarah has Azriel and Gwyn bantering together & she has the "be able to challenge their romantic partner in some way" with this scene in which he issues a challenge by saying there is no way any of them will finish the course but he's bantering with Gwyn while doing so:

Based on these observations and Sarah's own words... She has set these two up to be romantic love interests for each other & you've got to be wilfully ignorant to ignore the foreshadowing Sarah has set up for them.

[ju-vondy]

CURIOSITY: WERE YOU ELRIEL BEFORE ACOSF?

Because yes I were and yes I know people who were Elriel and now after reading ACOSF are Gwynriel. I always thought Elriel were a possible engame, but after ACOSF I totally changed my mind and started to seeGwyn as a possible endgame for Azriel. In my opinion Gwynriel relationship is being construced slowly (a few hints here and there) and as we say in Brazil: just don't see those who don't want to.

And I bet there are so many pepole who changed their minds after reading ACOSF and guess what? I HAVE PROOFS (the video down below) For exemple: I brought the subtject with my college friend — who read the books but are not that kind of person who interacts with the fandom, and she shares the same thoughts as I do.

The funniest thing is that these people are not here, they dont interact, they dont post their opinion... They're just living their lifes hoping in their own Gwynriel will be endgame.

PLEASE DO WATCH THE VIDEO!Our native language is Portuguese but I put subtitles in english for you understand better. Please leave your thoughts at the comments! Feel free to use or the video: she allowed it.

@mycadences @hntii @lovelygwyneth @moonshinexbooks @yazthebookish

#gwyneth berdara #gwynriel #pro gwynriel #gwyn x azriel #acosf #acotar #azriel #sarah j maas

[ju-vondy]

Honestly I think that saying "The only time the shadows reacted to Gwyn was in the BC, which happens in Solstice, not after nor before that night and thats why we shouldn't give credits to it" is absolutely BULLSHIT. Bullshit and bullshit.

The BC is focused on what??? Azriel POV. The entire book IS NOT FOCUSED ON HIM nor his POV. The narrator is focused on telling Nessian side of the story. Nessian emotions, thoughts and etc. Things that Nes and Cass are paying attention.

So… If the narration is focused on Cassian and Nesta's point of view… HOW would we know if the shadows reacted or not to Gwyn's presence after or before the solstice anyway???

I mean: if they (Cass and Nes) didn't ever realize anything because they were more focused in their own asses > there is nothing to figure it out about Azriel nor his shadows. They (Nessian) don't know how the shadows feel, hide or work. They don't pay attention on Azriel's movement a lot, do they?? Even when Cassian realizes the girls were at the Rite the narrator says he was so out of him that he didn't pay attention on what Azriel was saying/arguing with Rhys so we don't actually know if he was pissed of as well... But there was one specific moment where Cassian did look to Azriel and saw him looking up with admiration and encoragment to Gwyn and that was when she were about to cut the ribbon.

IN CONCLUSION: The shadows might yes or might not have reacted to Gwyn so many times before and we did not get to know because Cassian and Nesta's attention was focused in other things rather than Azriel's shadows or he himself. ACOSF is focused in Nessian POV majority, not Azriel.

#gwynriel #pro gwynriel #acosf #gwyn x azriel #acotar

[ju-vondy]

Being tired of only the men being the feisty, playful one and the women being the serious ones in the ACOTAR books.

*Gwyn Berdara with her orange cat energy*

Me : Yes

[ju-vondy]

Friendly reminder that Azriel canonically met Gwyn before Elain.

Azriel met Elain in ACOMAF, Chapter 24. Meanwhile, the attack on Sangravah was mentioned in ACOMAF, Chapter 18:

"[...] But Azriel confirmed that they’d raided the memorial in Sangravah three days ago. They’re looking for something—or found it.” Azriel nodded in confirmation, even as Mor cast a surprised look in his direction. Azriel gave her an apologetic shrug back.

Notice that the above line ^ in quotations was being said by Rhys. Now, this was Gwyn's account of the events:

“Azriel slaughtered all of them within moments. He didn’t hesitate. But I could barely move, and when I tried to get up … He gave me his cloak and wrapped me in it. Morrigan arrived a few minutes later, and then Rhysand appeared, and it became clear some of the soldiers had gotten away with the piece of the Cauldron, so Azriel headed after them. Mor healed me as best she could, then brought me to the library. [...]" (ACOSF, Chapter 68)

SJM literally retconned the events of Sangravah so that Azriel would be the one to save Gwyn. In ACOMAF, Rhys said that "Azriel confirmed" and the wording implied that he did not know about the raid until Azriel's intel. But they were both there in the aftermath of the assault, so why did Azriel have to confirm that it took place if they were already present? Furthermore, the original version suggested Mor was uninvolved (notice her surprise as Rhys was speaking), but in ACOSF, SJM rewrote the scene so that she was present as well.

Notice again that Azriel's shadows are prone to vanishing whenever Elain is around (from his bonus chapter) whereas they are curious about Gwyn, dance with her breath and sing to her. Azriel notes twice that the shadows seem to be responding to music coming from Gwyn.

You know what has been repeatedly compared to music?

"Those golden threads between their very souls shone with the words, as if they formed a harp strummed by a heavenly hand.

For it was music between their souls." (ACOSF, Chapter 58)

That's right, Nessian's mating bond.

And you know what else took place in Chapter 58? The solstice... where Azriel's bonus chapter occurred. Where his shadows heard silent music from Gwyn and sang back in answer. Where it was mentioned that his shadows have ALWAYS been prone to vanishing whenever Elain is around.

I won't be surprised if we get a scene where after Azriel realizes his mating bond with Gwyn, his shadows tell him that they have always known about it, which is why they keep actively avoiding Elain.

[ju-vondy]

When SJM chose to point out this:

And then a few pages later in the same chapter she chose to point this out: (It is Gwyn’s breath)

I knew that Gwynriel was endgame.

[ju-vondy]

The structure of the bonus chapter is so important and a lot of people ignore it.

It started with Elain. it’s ended with Gwyn.

[ju-vondy]

@gwynrielweeksofficial there's a specific song that screams GWYNRIEL to me not only because of the lyrics, but because it is a female voice who starts singing and then in the chorus a male voice joins her. It's called "Landed" by Ruelle feat Aron Wright. So whenever I listen to it I wonder its actually Gwyn and Az singing together. It screams Gwynriel to me reffering their end of journey, the approach of the "happily ever after" thing. I hope some of you will listen to it too and cry with me LOL 🤣

So, answering the DAY 9 prompt - The music scene envolving music I envision for Gwynriel is...: Approaching the end of the journey, they're dancing together staring at each other's eyes and they realize the feelings they have for each other. They realize they do care and feel a strong, powerful bond for each other. Of course our loved shadows are messing around them, happy Az finally admited that is in love with Gwyn. The music they're dancing to is the instrumental of Landed (of course Ruelle does not exist in Prythian but we can pretend, can't we?)

The art up above belongs to me, so no need for credits. (This is actually my second time drawing digitally, SORRY the mistakes, hope u all enjoy!) 🥰

Here's the lyrics:

The sun falls on your face like stained glass painted in light

It carries me away to sanctuaries in the sky

May we never stop falling

May we never stop...

All of the stars in the universe

Couldn't line up the way that we do

Couldn't be told in a million words, the story of us

And I can't believe it's true...

I've landed next to you

Now and then I drift like feather swept up in the breeze

But I know I am anchored as long as you are tethered to me

We will never stop falling

We will never stop...

One day we will look back at all we've been through

The missteps, the mistakes... The mountains we moved

One day we'll look back to all we've benn through

And say

I can't believe it's true... I've landed next to you...

#gwynriel weeks 2024 #gwyn x azriel #gwyneth berdara #gwynriel #pro gwynriel #azriel #acosf #acotar #sarah j maas #Spotify

[ju-vondy]

Ok. I ' ve always liked to draw on my notebooks during boring classes. I just bought my first tablet (pad) and I was excited about trying to make a digital drawing for the first time. Of course the first thing I wanted to try was this scene wich I screamed reading... It was the first time I started to consider Gwynriel as a supposed ship/endgame. I know I still got a lot to improve, but I hope you guys enjoy it. 🥰😁

#gwynriel #gwyneth berdara #gwyn x azriel #azriel #pro gwynriel #acosf #acotar #sarah j maas

[ju-vondy]

Headcanon Gwynriel Scene PART 2

Hello there!! 💞

Before you start reading this scene I strongly recommend that you take a look on part 1 for a better understanding. However, nothing's wrong if you don't want to. Here's: the link

Good Reading :) ~~*~~ ~~*~~ ~~*~~ ~~*~~ ~~*~~ ~~*~~ ~~*~~ ~~*~~ ~~*~~ ~~*~~ ~~*~~ The rest of Azriel's training went on without any trouble. Gwyn sometimes got distracted and spent a few seconds staring at Azriel's muscular back. She cursed herself and told herself that Nesta and Emerie's books were a bad influence and she should stop reading them.

Gwyn and Azriel had developed something close to companionship in those days when he and his brothers had taken her to Velaris along with Emerie and Nestha to take care of "wedding" preparations. And on some days, he stayed later at the House of Wind training ring to give Gwyn extra lessons, but she didn't know if she could call it friendship. They saw each other, exchanged a few words, sometimes laughed... But that was all.

Azriel was handsome, she couldn't deny that.

Yes, definitely, the books were a bad influence. But they were so good. Gwyn looked away from the pages again, chuckling at the dialogue.

"Enemies to lovers is so them!" Gwyn giggled foolishly as she closed the book, remembering the complicated relationship between Nestha and Cassian.

The priestess took a deep breath. Azriel was doing a series of kicks on the punching bag. She was surprised to realize it was already getting dark. Before leaving, Gwyn ate some cookies and indulged in the hot chocolate. When she got up to organize her things, Azriel was starting to stretch after the workout.

Gwyn began to hum softly as she squatted to pick up the blanket, but of course, the House did the job for her.

"You spoil me too much, House. Be careful," Gwyn laughed, then stood up. She clasped her hands together and stretched her arms upward. Comfortable positions could still cause a slight discomfort in the back, after all. Gwyn sighed softly as she felt her muscles contract and closed her eyes.

When she opened them again, she saw Azriel in the middle of the ring walking toward the water fountain. The shadows seemed to dance around him. Gwyn continued to murmur some random and carefree notes as she stretched.

Then she noticed that ghost touch on her face again. Gwyn took a deep breath and exhaled, watching her breath condense in the cold air. She blinked, stunned, as she watched shadows intertwine there.

The same shadows that danced with Azriel's breath. — she noticed. Gwyn raised her eyebrows. Did they want to say something?

The redhead took a deep breath and exhaled again, but this time there was no sign of shadows. She furrowed her brows. She swore she saw something. Gwyn approached Azriel, curious. He was filling a mug to drink water.

"Well, well. I thought you were going to hit that punching bag until you dehydrated and collapsed on the floor," she dragged a finger across the weapon counter, cleaning off invisible dust.

Azriel smiled without showing his teeth and was about to retort, but tensed up when the shadows vibrated around him, wanting to escape the reins he had put on them earlier. He brushed them off with a touch on the shoulder.

Gwyn smiled and then grabbed a mug. She approached the water fountain, just to test something. She approached him. And then she began to hum as she waited for her own mug to fill up.

The shadows stirred over Azriel's shoulders. Peeking. Curious. Trying to reach that inviting breath of Gwyn. Azriel hid them with a flutter of wings. Gwyn raised an eyebrow at him.

"Are you hiding something from me, Azriel?" the redhead asked with the corner of her lips curving unconsciously upward as she took a sip of water.

"Not at all," he said, swallowing the remaining water in his mug.

"I like your shadows," Gwyn shrugged. "Why do you always send them away when I'm around? It's frustrating. I need to make new friends, you know? Nesta and Emerie can be... kind of boring sometimes."

Azriel raised his eyebrows, surprised. It wasn't every day someone made that kind of comment to him.

I like your shadows. When was the last time someone had said that to him? Azriel put on that mask on his face and showed a certain indifference as he responded:

"I didn't want to bother you."

"They're not a bother," Gwyn scoffed. "And as I said: I need new friends."

The shadowsinger gave a small smile and began to remove the wraps from his hands. As if that were possible. The two of them being friends.

He was used to keeping his shadows hidden. It usually didn't require much effort, as shadows had that reserved nature. They shied away from interactions with other people, usually feeling threatened. It was like that when he was with Elain, for example.

But when Gwyn appeared... The damned shadows slithered toward her. They threatened to escape, insisting on reaching her somehow. They became curious, excited.

Look. See. Get closer.

"Most people don't like them," Azriel swallowed hard, me, was what he wanted to say. "They're afraid."

"Well, I'm not." Gwyn offered a warm smile and drank the water. "Let me see them."

Azriel fell silent. Gwyn had participated in the Rite, of course she wouldn't be afraid of seemingly harmless shadows. But would she think differently if she knew everything he had done wrong?

Would she like him if she knew how dirty his hands were? And how much the shadows had contributed to that?

The Illyrian took a deep breath and then exhaled.

"Okay."

And the moment Azriel loosened the restraints preventing the shadows from reaching Gwyn, they went straight to the source of their downfall. The shadows began to dance around Gwyn, who closed her eyes, relishing the sensation. She stretched out her arms and began to make small hums. When she opened her eyes, she watched as the shadows encircled her skin.

"See?" Gwyn laughed, extending her hand above her head to observe better. That smile with sharp canines seemed to ignite something inside Azriel's chest, which he promptly buried. "They tickle."

The comment made Azriel chuckle softly. Tickles? That's something new.

Gwyn relaxed and tilted her head, watching as the shadows returned to coil and shelter themselves over Azriel's shoulders. She couldn't help but pout with discontent when she saw that was all, and only that.

"Do you feel it too?" she asked. "The tickling?"

"No," Azriel began to fill his mug with water again, silence settling between them. He was still having trouble processing that image: the shadows interacting with Gwyn. The way they slid over her arms, neck, and hands as she sang...

That wasn't possible, was it? How?! The same shadows that were shy, quiet, and antisocial. That... Hid behind his wings in the presence of Elain... What was so different about Gwyn that made them behave like that?

Azriel swallowed hard.

"They sort of belong to you, don't they?" Gwyn asked when she noticed Azriel wasn't going to say anything. Then she tilted her head and narrowed her eyes subtly. "The shadows."

Azriel nodded.

"Then you shouldn't hide them," Gwyn smiled tenderly. "You know, we all have a dark side. Darkness is part of our journey. Of us. We have to learn to embrace it," she swallowed hard. "And in the past year, I've learned that when people like you, they like you even if you have that dark side."

"Right," was all he said. And then he realized it wasn't a socially pleasant response. "I'll try."

Gwyn took a deep breath. He's being monosyllabic today.

"I'll be going..." she opened a mischievous smile. "Before you have a nervous breakdown from having a conversation for more than five minutes with someone."

The comment made Azriel almost laugh through his nose. Before he could argue back, Gwyn was faster and continued speaking as she started walking. "I know that forming more than three words per sentence isn't one of your strengths." She patted Azriel's shoulder twice as she passed him.

Azriel straightened up, a shiver of surprise running down his spine. She wasn't one to do that often. Usually, Gwyn preferred to keep her distance from males. She noticed it herself and, for a moment, stopped walking—swearing she had felt a tug backward. Gwyn realized she no longer felt as uncomfortable when she was with Azriel, like that day when he joined Cassian to train them for the first time. She felt... Safe, even though she couldn't explain why. Gwyn dismissed the thought with a slight shake of her head and started walking again. Before she crossed the arch, Azriel called out to her, his voice playful:

"Good night, Valkyrie."

She turned to him, only to say:

"Good night, Shadowsinger."

Gwyn unconsciously curved her lips upward as she turned her back to Azriel again. For some reason, she liked what she heard. Something shimmered in her chest as her mind recalled the exact movements of Azriel's lips as he said that word.

Valkyrie.

And for an even greater reason, which Gwyn couldn't explain, she wished to hear it again.

#gwyn x azriel #pro gwynriel #gwyneth berdara #gwynriel

[ju-vondy]

Headcanon Gwynriel Scene PART 1

Hey guys. I'm brazilian and this is the first time I'm translating my writing from portuguese to english so please take it easy on me 😅 I hope you all enjoy it! This scene is a part of my fanfiction (which I'm posting currently on Wattpad only in portuguese, but if any of you show interest I may post it in english as well) Good reading... ~*~ Some context before u start reading: The last chapter wass Nesta and Cassian's cerimony and she offered Gwyn to move to the House of Wind because when Cassian leaves for missions she feels way too lonly. ~*~ It was in that last conversation that Gwyn was thinking about when she woke up that weekend. It had been two weeks since Nesta had been away. Gwyn arrived earlier at the training ring each day and spent the afternoons working in the library. In her free time, she read Nesta's improper romances - which she was particularly enjoying.

But in that particular week, Merril was incredibly demanding with the research content, so much so that Gwyn took her manuscripts to her room. She rolled over in bed, thoughtful. What would a normal citizen of Velaris do at the end of the week?

Take a stroll around the city.

And that's what she should do too. But there she was, locked in her room. She had promised herself that she would give it a chance.

But the other part, the one that screamed that everything would go wrong... It was still stronger. Besides, there were the nights when she woke up screaming and crying from a bad nightmare. The fateful day in Sangravah haunted her constantly. The disfigured ghost of her sister, Catrin, used to make the nightmares much worse. She didn't want do bother Nestha with that.

Gwyn huffed at Merrill's research papers and decided she had had enough. She had spent the last twelve hours working on the translation of two ancient tomes and was not seeing any progress. Besides... Weekend meant resting. Gwyn sighed loudly and dropped the pen on the desk.

"By the Mother..." she stretched her arms before getting up from the chair. "I wonder what Merril's next obsession will be after she finally proves her theory of connection between the realms."

Gwyn took a deep breath again as she stopped in front of the window. She put her hands on her waist, thoughtful. The research could wait. And the romance was getting so interesting when she had to stop to focus on the new content for Merril...

The priestess sighed and picked up the book, lying down on her bed. But she couldn't read. Not there. Then she felt tempted to go up to Nesta's private library. The one they had had so much fun making silly requests to the House.

Gwyneth had a better idea: to read outdoors. The sky must be beautiful out there. She could lie down on the training ring that would be empty and...

Yes, that's what she would do.

Without thinking twice, she put on something that would protect her from any possible cold, grabbed what was necessary, and went to the House. The lights were on, but there was no one there. Gwyn vaguely remembered hearing Nesta telling Cassian that while they were away, Azriel would teach in the mornings on weekdays, but on weekends he would cross over to Vallahan to accompany Mor in whatever they were doing.

Gwyn hummed as she headed towards the large arch that led to the roof of the House, but then... He was there.

Gwyn halted her movements before crossing the arch and held her breath as she saw those muscular backs without a shirt to hide the tanned skin. Azriel stopped his blows on the makeshift punching bag and turned his body to look at who was present, even though he already knew to whom that voice and scent belonged.

Gwyn cleared her throat before starting to explain herself:

"Sorry, I... I thought there was no one in the House, and I had this desire to read outdoors, so I thought it wouldn't be a problem if I came up here, but..." she stopped abruptly to catch her breath and continue: "If this is a problem for you, I can go back and..."

"Gwyneth," Azriel interrupted her, holding back a laugh. "You can stay."

The priestess widened her eyes.

"Really?"

"Yes."

Gwyn quietly celebrated.

"Thank you," she smiled, walking towards the covered area. "I'll remember this before cursing you in training tomorrow, Shadowsinger."

Azriel chuckled softly.

"Good reading," he said and, after a brief nod, turned to go to the nearest rock where his shirt was thrown. No Illyrian leather, just casual clothing. Azriel put it on and then focused on the punching bag again.

Gwyn sighed, grateful for the small gesture. She opened her mouth to say that he didn't need to put on the shirt, and that she felt comfortable in his presence — even without knowing the reason — and that furthermore she didn't need anyone's pity, but changed her mind at the last moment.

"I don't bite, you know," Azriel said over his shoulder, offering only a half-smile to the Valkyrie.

Gwyn wanted to smack herself. She was there, busy enough — standing, observing those dressed backs and concluding that she preferred the previous sight — to remember to move and choose a place to settle.

The priestess took a step forward, eyebrows raised.

"For your luck, Shadowsinger, I don't bite either," Gwyn replied, keeping her tone calm and serious. "Unless if it is absolutely necessary."

Azriel chuckled. Of course Gwyn would have a smart-ass reply ready. Since the day they didn't win an award for completing the qualifying circuit for the Rite, Gwyn was determined to wipe the smug and presumptuous smiles off his and Cassian's faces whenever she could.

And he kind of liked that.

The priestess started humming softly and cheerfully to herself as she prepared a comfortable place to sit on the icy surface. She had brought a cushion and a sheet to line the floor, not wanting to bother the House with it.

Before she could sit, however, a comfortable mat appeared on top of the sheet and more cushions joined the one Gwyn had strategically positioned against the wall. Additionally, there was a pile with a comfortable blanket, scarf, and gloves. Gwyn rolled her eyes.

Seriously? I can do this myself. I'm not a child, you know.

In response, a mug of hot chocolate appeared next to the blanket. Gwyn chuckled quietly and stuck her tongue out at the House. The mug disappeared.

Hey, I was joking. Sorry.

The mug reappeared, along with a plate full of warm cookies, how fragrant. Gwyn smiled. Thank you.

The redhead settled into a cozy position while humming some soft "humming" sounds. She felt a warm breeze caress her cheeks. Gwyn shrugged, stopped vocalizing, and opened the book while whispering to herself that the House was too dramatic.

On the other side, Azriel, who was absolutely tense and with clenched jaw, relaxed. The shadows were incredibly out of control that night. It was true that Gwyn's presence caused some movement among them. Not agitation, but a small... Commotion.

Even a simple breath exercise from the redhead seemed to stir the shadows. However, it was Gwyneth's voice, her laugh in particular, that seemed to be the real call.

And the shadows... They were happy with a mere murmured singing from Gwyn. That was undeniable. But how was that possible? At that very moment, they were spying on her from afar: crazy to dance with her. They only awaited the master's permission, who, to his discontent, kept a firm hand.

Azriel rolled his eyes. He would have to do something about it, and soon. Gwyn laughed, causing the shadows to threaten to approach again. Azriel gave a scathing look to the shadows over his shoulder, to reprimand them.

"Sorry," Gwyn widened her eyes at Azriel and raised the book. "Funny scene."

Azriel tilted his head, wanting to beat himself up. Obviously, Gwyn would think that the unfriendly look was directed at her.

"It wasn't..." Azriel clicked his tongue. How to explain that he wasn't angry with her without sounding like a lunatic? "No problem."

"Okay." Gwyn shrugged and returned her attention to reading. She tried to laugh quietly to herself, with little success. Azriel smiled. At least she was trying. The shadows whispered to him.

Listen. Closer. Approach.

The Illyrian rolled his eyes: No.

The shadows hissed stubbornly: You're such a brat. Listen to us.

Azriel exhaled in response: Leave her alone.

Azriel swallowed a grunt. Should he leave? No, that would seem too rude. Gwyn had already presumed that he wouldn't like her presence there. Leaving would leave her, at the very least, intrigued. And if there was one thing the master spy didn't feel like dealing with right now, it was Gwyneth Berdara's curious and dangerously sharp inquiries.

So he was left with only one thing: ignore.

Ignore. Ignore. And ignore.

#gwynriel #gwyn x azriel #pro gwynriel #gwyneth berdara #headcanon