#no Vassien here

[enamoured-x]

Vassien is hotter than Elucien and Elriel is hotter than gw*nriel. These are just the facts. Heavy on the HOT for Vassien. Our lord of flame and bird of fire. 🔥 And Elriel, well that’s just obvious that they would be hotter than any other person you could pair either of them with. Death and his lovely fawn. Light & dark. Sunshine gf and broody bf.🫶🏽

#like let’s get serious #vassien would be so sexy together #elucien… yeah no that’s boring af #elriel? forget about it #they really will serve grumpy x sunshine trope SO WELL #everyone else can go home #we have our couples right here #acotar #elain archeron #azriel #elriel #sarah j maas #acotar 5 #azriel shadowsinger #lucien vanserra #vassa #vassien

[violetasteracademic]

Lucien Vanserra's Hero's Journey with Vassa- The Firebird Legends

Hello friends! This is my very first tumblr post, and is IN DEPTH. It seemed like a good place to explore some of the the themes I've been discussing on TikTok regarding Sarah's book structures, how closely Sarah utilizes The Hero's Journey for ACOTAR, and how many "ingredients in the fridge" as I like to call it are already there for Lucien and Vassa's story, despite arguments that there is very little on page action with The Band of Exlies. If anyone is interested in nerding out about book structure with me, I'll do a quick run through of The Hero's Journey with ACOMAF as the example (I made a video about this already!) and then fill in a possible hero's journey beat by beat for Lucien using only what is on the page. I'm not being hyperbolic when I say I could literally plot out and write this book today with everything Sarah has given us!

A few things to know about me: I love all of the characters involved in these ship wars. I am a die hard Elain stan, Az is my favorite Bat Boy, Lucien is one of my all time favorite characters and one whom I deeply relate to (I actually think I relate to Elain and Lucien the most, and I'll share how they mirror each other quite well) and I literally had to pull over in a Sprouts parking lot listening to the ACOSF graphic audio when Gwyn told her story. An elderly woman knocked on my window to ask if I was okay because I was sobbing. I do get passionate about my ships (Elriel and Vassien) because of my reading experience and how I process Sarah's structures. It would be the shock of my life if it goes in a different direction. BUT I love all the characters and respect all ships. My only goal is to get people excited about everything possible for our Bird of Flame and Lord of Fire, because their story stands to be by second favorite after Elain and Azriel!

Here is a quick rundown of The Hero's Journey: A three act structure famously based on the works of Joseph Campbell, an author and educator in the field of comparative mythology.

I will try my best to *briefly* break down the first act of A Court of Mist and Fury (I could do the same for Nesta's Journey in A Court of Silver Flames!)

Step One: The Ordinary World Status Quo. Feyre's status quo after Under The Mountain is the simultaneous evolution of her new life as Fae, and devolution of her spirit and personhood. In her new ordinary world, she is being kept in the dark. She is relegated to wedding planning and isolation.

Step Two: Call to adventure. Feyre is called to adventure on the day of her wedding, when the status quo has become unmaneagable. She calls out for help, and Rhys whisks her to the night court. In the Call to Adventure, our Hero learns a truth about the world that they will have to face. In Feyre's case, it is that the war is immenent. She realizes there is a threat to the safety of her sisters, and Rhys pushes her to train so that she is not unprepared if she is the only thing standing between them and Hybern.

Step Three: Refusal of the Call (in other structures or variations this is called The Debate.) The Hero is not sure if this is their story, if they are the one to face the call. They experience a period of maintaining the status quo a little longer. This is when we see Feyre sinking back into life with Tamlin. He is loosening the reigns, she doesn't want to rock the boat. She believes The Ordinary World might improve without her having to take the next step.

Step Four: Meeting the Mentor. Our hero meets someone that will assist them in their journey, and help them move forward in answering the call. This can be friendships, trainers and teachers, mystical guides, any number of things. In Feyre's case, it is dinner with the Inner Circle. She hasn't yet decided if she will join Rhysand's court and work with him in the efforts against Hybern, however she agrees to meet his court members. Each of them provide guidance to Feyre. In strength and training (Cassian and Azriel), emotional resilience (Mor), and histories/education on how the court and Fae lands function (Amren). Feyre agrees to work for Rhysand and then we cross the threshold into act two.

When I talk about "ingredients in the fridge," I am talking about a dinner that has been planned, ingredients purchased, and everything ready to go for book dinner to be on the table tonight. At this point, Sarah has been grocery shopping for future book plots for many many years! This is my personal interpretation of a really powerful story for Lucien and his hero's journey to free Vassa from Koschei.

Step One: Ordinary World. Lucien wakes up in the human lands in the manor he shares with his Band of Exiles. (I also am obsessed with how messy and hilarious it is that this was gifted to him by his mates ex fiance but I digress.) He has become so close with Vassa that he is no longer trusted to do his job for the Night Court. All the while he is worrying about Koschei, and when he will come for Vassa. Her enslavement to the deathless sorcerer pains him, and the pressure is building.

I hate to poke holes in another ship, however it is important to note that during all of these conversations Elain is not present or mentioned by Lucien in any way. However, Mor states that Lucien is choosing to live in the human lands despite Elain. And of course, in ACOSF Lucien makes it clear that even being in Velaris doesn't mean it is to see Elain, and the thought of his presence being expected only for his mate makes him uncomfortable.

I'm not saying these things couldn't change in the next book, I am however just setting Lucien's Ordinary World or Status Quo. Lucien is living in the human lands with the Band of Exiles and his main areas of concern and growing conflict are with Vassa and Koschei. This is what is being built to send the status quo to a breaking point *at present* His interest or efforts in Elain are devolving while his connection to Vassa and interest in defeating Koschei or freeing her are evolving.

Step Two: Call To Adventure. Lucien already has a powerful possible Call to Adventure (or inciting incident, as other similar structures call it) set in place. Koschei decides to reign in the leash on Vassa and force her to return to the lake, being ripped from her home with Lucien and Jurian and no longer able to provide assistance with the human queens.

Step Three: Resisting the Call. The reason Lucien is so perfectly suited for this is because he is the only character with such torn loyalties. He is loyal to Feyre and the Night Court, he attempts to be respectful to his mate, he is glad to work for Rhysand. There are many other threats present, Lucien's own father Beron suspected to be at risk of allying with Koschei. The human queens in the wind who have powers and a vendetta. While the Firebird legends retelling *could* take place with Jurian and Vassa, my issue with that is similar to my issue with Gwynriel. There is literally nothing, and I mean NOTHING that would create conflict for the character or a debate period. There are no obstacles or stakes in place that could keep the characters apart, which is critical to all storytelling but Sarah utilizes so much conflict. Lucien is the lost wanderer, torn from court to court, abusive home to abusive home, without a true family until the Band of Exiles. But it is still a matter of chosen family over loyalties he still feels to Feyre and her court. So, Vassa is taken by Koschei. Lucien now must be spurred into action, but is *he* the hero of this story? Is he going to be the one to take on Koschei?

Step Four: Meet the mentor. Oh, I think we all know where I am headed with this! What better mentor could there be in place for Lucien in freeing Vassa from her curse than Helion Spellcleaver. Aka Lucien's biological father. Helion also has maintained a consistent presence, being called in to attempt to manage the dread trove items. He has returned to the page in ways other High Lords haven't. We are gearing up for Helion 100%

Now, to get a little farther into some of the details beyond act one, tests allies and enemies, innermost caves, ordeals, so on and so forth, I simply want to focus on the stakes of this story specifically, and why I find them the most powerful.

As far as theme for Lucien, he has been aimless and suffering and ultimately ended up with no home and nowhere to spend Solstice. Feyre and Elain were a default because, in his own words, he had nowhere else to go.

Feyre urges him to call the Night Court home, but he has found a true home with Jurian and Vassa. He cares deeply for them and for their safety. He is amazed by Jurian's leadership, literally saying "Thank god for him" keeping everything together. Even at his best with Rhysand, Lucien has never put full faith in Rhys as a leader (which is very similar to Nesta who, while still an Archeron sister, continues to dismiss Rhys as her high lord and has found her calling and found family with The Valkyrie's.)

Lucien learning Helion is his biological father pairs perfectly with his metal eye, which can see through glamours. We may come to find that Lucien has hidden spell cleaving abilities making him uniquely suited to save the woman he loves. However, this brings us to...

THE BLOOD DUEL.

Lucien and Azriel blood dueling over Elain makes no sense plot, character, or world building wise. Lucien does not identify with the Autumn court or its laws, and he has been nothing but respectful of Elain's lack of interest in him and by all accounts is moving on in a very healthy way. It is stated clearly that Beron knows Lucien is not his son, hence why Lucien received such additional torment and ab*se as well as Beron's treatment of Lady Autumn. However, for Lucien to publicly display Helion's powers would make Lady Autum's affair public knowledge. This gives Beron cause to call for a blood duel with Helion over LoA. These are incredibly high stakes and obstacles. Does he risk the life of his mother and newly discovered father to save the woman he loves by revealing his true power?

As far as Lucien being sole heir to the Day Court, there is another possible outcome where Helion wins the blood duel (thus securing Eris's place as the new High Lord of Autumn, another long established plotline) and Lady Autumn and Helion get a second chance while Lucien still chooses his found family. Or, at the very least, as long of a life with Vassa as he could get before taking up the Day Court. Sarah also of course has had both mortal characters choose mortal life spans for love (Elorcan) or make mortals immortal (Feyre and Miryam.) However, Lucien stated he never had any interest in being a high lord. Of course this is up for interpretation, but I believe his character development still maintains that. This man has been through so much. He just wants to live in peace, and I think it would be a beautiful thing to know that his mother is now safe and not a political pawn.

Speaking of political pawns, this is also why I believe Elain and Lucien have a lot to heal with each other. When Lucien discovers that he could have been raised by Helion and not Beron, but his mother was sold and used as a political pawn and her agency taken away, he is going to face quite a few demons. I do not personally think Lucien's story (or Elain's) is most powerfully served by he and Elain choosing to de-escalate all the conflict and spend time with each other and wind up falling in love. It COULD happen, and if it's what Sarah chooses to do, it will be lovely! But Elain is such a mirror to Lucien's own mother. The only difference being that Lucien is a good male while Beron is a monster. Lucien, when faced with this, would be motivated to prevent his story repeating itself. Elain and Lucien's mother are the only two alive today presenting as unhappy with their pairings. I believe this is what Sarah was referring to when she said Elain was a better mate for Lucien than Nesta (her original plan) because of the healing they could provide each other. While I am not stating this as fact, it is my opinion that there is enough foreshadowing for rejected mating bonds, the suffering of poor matches and females being owned with archaic laws, that Sarah always intended to have Lucien participate in the rejected mating bond story line with one of the Archeron sisters. Lucien and Elain as a rejected bond is a much better fit as Lucien and Elain are actually both quite passive about their mating bond, letting the plot develop and build elsewhere whereas Nesta would have likely just burnt Lucien to a crisp or had it take up a lot more of ACOSF which would have been truly tough to fit in.

I could go on and literally plot out the whole book beat by beat with the Hero's Journey, but I would be here all day. I truly think Lucien and Vassa in the Firebird Legends would be so beautiful and powerful. I've teared up thinking about it! It always disheartens me to see characters getting thrown under the bus for the ship wars, or to be accused of hating Lucien because I ship Elriel. I am brand new to the online ship space, and this was truly how I experienced the books as someone who loves all the characters and wants the best for them. I believe Lucien has been nothing but respectful towards Elain and deserves to be happy. I just don't think Elain is his happiness. Even Feyre and Rhys had moments of trust and connection building in A Court of Thorns and Roses before ACOMAF. Their relationship was not out of left field at all. Elain and Lucien have a LOT of work to do to make their interest in each other suddenly believable, and in my opinion now we are getting into poorly paced and structured writing to accommodate it.

I've definitely seen compelling compilations about how both Elain and Lucien are tied to Koschei and it could just as easily be their shared love story while saving Vassa, and I won't go into a rage if that is what happens. It is simply difficult for me to ignore all the conflicts that would conveniently resolve and obstacles that would be removed. I know people love to call the three brothers and three sisters "lazy" but three is simply a motif, not book structure or line level prose. In my opinion, a sudden resolution to active political conflicts by putting two characters together is much lazier when it comes to the actual writing of the book.

These are just my musings, and the things I picked up on whilst reading (and re-reading a million times tbh) and experiencing books! What do you guys think of Vassien? I personally am so excited by how beautiful it could be!

#elriel #vassien #elain x azriel #lucien x vassa #elain archeron #pro elain #pro elain archeron

[acotar-taylorsversion]

Future ACOTAR Books

Ok, so Sarah is contracted for 2 more acotar novels and a novella, right?

Here's how I'm thinking its gonna be laid out.

ACOTAR -1, ACOMAF -2, ACOWAR -3, ACOFAS -novella 1, ACOSF -4

ACOTAR 5 - Elain's book with Azriel as love interest. I believe she will reject the bond with Lucien and help Nesta and Az with the trove and locating Koschei, the prison, Az and Nuala and Cerridwen helping her with her seer skills since it can be related to spying, and all that. There's much that could happen here and some many questions could be answered.

Novella 2 - this can be Vassa and Lucien's. I truly believe that if Elain would reject the bond, Lucien would allow himself to discover something with Vassa. This would push the story along for the Koschei storyline because I believe that Lucien and Vassa will be heavily involved with that. Sarah made Lucien a part of this band of exiles for a reason. We could also see or hear about what the inner circle is doing through their povs or through some type of correspondence through Lucien. This could possibly start while Elain's story is going on as well, if she rejects the bond early on in her book. She could even tie in Mor and what it is that she's doing since she's trying to get more allies for Rhys. And even Eris since he will be dealing with Beron and the aftermath of being caught. Seems like a lot but Tower of Dawn was meant to be a novella and look how that one turned out.

ACOTAR 6 - this could be a multi pov novel that centers around all the sisters and their chosen loves. And don't tell me she won't because she did it in acofas. OR it could be in feyre and Rhy's povs because they are sarah's favorite couple and if she had to end the series with any couple I believe it would be them. But anyway, I believe that Koschei will be the final big bad for acotar and its gonna take a lot to defeat him. it's gonna take everyone coming together just like they did with the king of Hybern. I also believe that people are gonna die. I've always felt that Mor would be the one to die and maybe Lucien, and Helion, and Tamlin. I think that a couple of courts would be left without high lords and this would allow Rhys and Feyre to become High King and Queen, especially after what we learned in HOFAS, its pretty much his birth right. Wouldn't be something since Tamlin told Feyre that there were no such things as High Lady's and she would end the series as High Queen! lol

This is what I think will be happen, and it's my opinion so I don't need anyone telling me that I'm crazy or delusional, none of that. Based on what happened in frost and starlight (the one that sarah said she set up the rest of the series in), I believe this is what could happen. Do I think Nesta's story is done? No, and we could have her pov in the last book with her sisters. Do I think the valkyries are gonna be main characters? No, I don't because I think they are there mainly for Nesta and I only see them helping with battles and maybe some research. That's it. Do I think the illyrians will be important? Maybe, but sarah has been known to forget about some plots or just completely shut them down in the next book. Remember how we all thought Kallon from frost and starlight was gonna be Cassian's enemy #1 in silver flames? Don't remember him at all? Exactly.

Sorry for the long post, I just have to get all of this out of my head before it drives me crazy. Just so y'all know, I'm pro elriel, feysand, nessian, vassien (if Lucien survives). I don't see how elucien could ever be a happy mated couple, and I don't see how people think Gwyn and Az could ever be romantic and you can't say the next book is Nesta's and say that sarah will have gwynriel as the couple when they would be side characters. Each book will be centered around a couple, right? Did she say new or established? I can't remember but the main couple wouldn't be in the background. And I don't see how Gwyn could carry an entire novel. I'm sorry, I just can't. It would be half of silver flames and I don't think Sarah will do that. And I do think its messed up how sarah and Bloomsbury have let this nasty ship war go on for this long.

But I do believe that this series started with Feyre and her sisters and it will end with her and her sisters. I believe Sarah has made such a big deal with 3's for a reason. Do you guys remember that scene in mist and fury where Mor (whose power is truth) painted the 3 sisters and 3 brothers on the wall in the cabin? That meant something. Mor's reaction to almost every Elriel interaction means something just like it did with Nesta and Cassian. Azriel being able to smell Elain's mating bond and questioning the cauldron means something. The sisters being Made means something. The fact that the cauldron was messed with means something.

Anyways, these are my thoughts. Sorry that this is so long. Please be kind.

#acotar #elain archeron #elriel #acotar 5 #vassien #azriel shadowsinger #pro elriel #lucien vanserra #vassa acotar #nesta archeron #feysand #pro elain archeron #anti g*ynriel #anti el*cien

[nikethestatue]

Here is what's funny:

People try to disprove the possibility of Vassien by saying that Jurian and Vassa are better suited together because they are HUMAN.

I am sorry. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Let's BACK UP here for a sec.

Jurian is HUMAN?

Jurian hasn't been HUMAN or even ALIVE for 500 years. Did everyone just forget that Amarantha KILLED him on the battlefield? And she maintained his consciousness via magic in his eye that she kept in a ring.

THIS guy is the one they think is HUMAN?

The guy who was Made first--before the sisters. Not only Made, but somehow regenerated, from his eye-only consciousness to something that's humanoid.

Respectfully, Jurian is not human. Even Cassian doesn't know what to make of him and call him 'half-human'. Since he is Made, Jurian is presumably just as immortal as Lucien.

So to say that he and Vassa somehow 'fit together' because of their humanity is categorically wrong.

Furthermore, Vassa turns into a damn firebird. Like, how human is that? I don't turn into a demon Frenchie during the day. I don't think any of you turn into swans, firebirds, or eyes of a newt. Just because she is called a 'human queen' doesn't actually make her entirely human. We also know that the Queens possess unusual magic, their palace is so fortified that Azriel can't get inside, and together, they can winnow. Whatever they are, they sound more like witches rather than humans.

Therefore, the whole argument just falls apart. NONE of these characters are 'human' anymore. Not Jurian, not Vassa, not the sisters. Lucien can very easily spend eternity with Vassa if he so desires. He was be a sad lonesome uwu boi without his woman--she'll be right by his side.

[lovemyromance]

I cantttt you guys 😭 why I just seen a post that was like "Lucien literally thought Elain was the most beautiful female he had seen - and yet people still think Vassien is going to happen??"

Idk 🤷🏻‍♀️

Gwynriels seem to exist even though Azriel was ready to beg on his knees for a taste of Elain.

In fact, they've built an entire ship around ignoring canon. And yet, people think Vassien is a stretch?

I feel like "Lord of fire and bird of flame" has way more weight than sparky sparky glow glow, and yet here we are.

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

[hopelesslyhopeful11]

It’s VassIAN, not VassIEN: The Correct SJM Ship

I’ve seen the argument that Vassa and Lucien (VassIEN) will end up together and it makes no sense from an SJM standpoint. Not when Vassa and Jurian (Vassian) are right there!!

1. I present to you, honorable citizens, the evidence as told by text and SJM herself:

Exhibit A. Vassa was able to see through Jurian immediately (Chapter 54 of ACOWAR)

From Feyre with Rhysand; Cassian with Nesta; Rowan with Aelin, SJM notoriously writes about how her endgame couples are able to see through one another clearly. And Jurian has a history of being unreadable and even his best friend of years, Mor, wasn’t able to see through him, but this mortal queen he just met can? Seems more than a coin-winky-dink to me

Exhibit B. They are at each others throats just as SJM likes to write for many other endgame couples.

As you can see here, SJM loves writing couples (top images is from bottom left image is from Chapter 17 of ACOWAR) who are constantly at each others throats in a good way. She even admits so in this interview and her Facebook comment back in 2016 but the specific quote is “As soon as Nesta sat down at the table with Cassian, it was DONE for both of them—I literally could not keep them from each others throats (in the best way possible)”

Exhibit C. The banter is classic SJM endgame material.

The teasing and tension is screaming from the page. SJM says that banter is a clue for her endgame couples. What more do we need?

Exhibit D. They are two people working together to build the same vision for the future of their kingdom and people and honestly the same reactions to things

To mortals who are already working well together to build their kingdom in a good balance and have shown that they have endgame potential? Yeah it just makes sense

Exhibit E. Unreadable faces making pretty damning cases.

Across the maasiverse, people have unreadable faces when they are trying to mask emotions, I.e. Rhys all of ACOMAF and Nesta in ACOWAR—ACOSF. So what is Jurian hiding? Given everything else, one could safely bet his true feelings for the Firebird Mortal Queen.

In conclusion,

creds to @acourtdelaluna for her help with these points!!

#acotar #acosf #anti e/riel #pro gwynriel #pro elucien #acowar #pro Vassian #pro Vassa and Jurian #lucien acotar #pro lucien vanserra #elain and lucien #anti Vassien

[bright-side20]

Vassien & Swan Lake retelling

Art by : jemlin_c

_The young Prince Siegfried was informed by his mother that she'll organise a ball to find a princes worthy to be his wife.but he didn't like the idea that his future wife will be imposed on him.

"His mate. She was nothing like Jesminda... She’d seen him not as a High Lord’s seventh son, but as a male. Had loved him without question, without hesitation. She had chosen him. Elain had been … thrown at him."

>Siegfried was forced by his mother to marry a princess from the ball. Elain was chosen for Lucien through the cauldron; they didn't choose each other

_When Siegfried was going to a lake to hunt, he saw a magnificent flock of swans, one of them transformed into a beautiful woman, queen of the swans, her name was odette, Siegfried approached her and promised that he will not harm her, she revealed to him that she and other maidens have been placed under a spell by the sorcerer Von Rothbart. By day, they are transformed into swans, and only at night do they regain their human form.

"Especially not with Lucien on the continent, hunting that enchanted queen. A bird of flame … and a lord of fire. I wondered if they’d found each other yet."

>Siegfried went hunting when he met Odette, Lucien went on a mission to hunt Vassa.

+

"Elain’s throat bobbed. “He keeps them all at the lake.” --“Other women like her?” _“Yes—and no. Their feathers are white as snow. They glide across the water—while she rages through the skies above it."

>In the tale, there were other maidens cursed into swans, and Elain said that there are other women also transformed.

_The spell can only be broken by true love. The prince fell in love with her. He vowed to break the spell and remain faithful to her.The sorcerer tricked Siegfried by disguising his daughter, Odile, as Odette. He promised himself to her, which broke the vow he made to Odette.

_In most versions of the tale, the story has a tragic ending. However, in the happy ending version, Siegfried ripped off Von Rothbart’s wings, stripped him of his power, and broke the curse. Then, he happily married Odette.

"Lucien stared out the window as if he could see the lake across the sea and a continent. As if he were sitting his target."

>Foreshadowing of Lucien facing Koschei 🤷🏻‍♀️

+

Breaking a curse through the power of love, sounds like something Sarah would do.

_Elain and Azriel =Blodeuwedd and sleeping beauty retelling = Elain saving Azriel through the power of Love.

_Vassa and Lucien =Vasilisa, firebird and swan lake retelling =Lucien breaking Vassa's curse through the power of love.

It would be a great parallel 🤷🏻‍♀️

In an interview after the publication of ACOWAR, Sarah said that the future couples are based on events before and after ACOWAR, and she mentioned that she likes 'Vasilisa the Beautiful' and the 'Swan Lake' tale.

In ACOWAR,ACOFAS, ACOSF, the building up of Elriel was quite obvious, but there was also a slow burn development for Vassien. We know that Sarah loves slow burns:

"yes—queen by night, firebird by day.” He blew out a breath. “Nasty curse.” --“The human queens are still out there,” I said. Maybe I’d hunt them down. --“Not for long—not if Vassa has anything to do with it.” --“You sound like an acolyte.” Lucien blushed".

"Even with Elain here, he's become close with Jurian and Vassa. He's voluntarily living with them these days, and not just as an emissary. As their friend."

"A twitch of the lips, a spark in that russet eye. “She’s doing well enough. Savoring every second of her temporary freedom.”

"Nesta said, “And Jurian and Vassa?” “At each other’s throats, as they like to be,” he said, a tad sharply. She wondered what that was about—and for the life of her couldn’t read it."

But Vassa is mortal and Lucien is immortal 🗣️

>Feyre, Nesta, and Elain were mortal, and now they're immortal🤷🏻‍♀️

So yes, based on all this I think Vassa and Lucien will get a book after Elain's book.

#elain archeron #elriel #sarahjmaas #vassa acotar #pro elain #acotar thoughts #lucien vanserra #vassien #azriel acotar #pro elriel #sjm #queen vassa #art #acotar theory #sarah j maas #swan lake

[kopfkino-o]

Pro Vassien Super Post

One of my favorite potential ships within the ACOTAR world is Vassa x Lucien. The bird of fire and the lord of flame. The cursed queen and the spell cleaver. Soo I decided to put together some thoughts based on what we've read in the text so far! It’s a little unorganized, so bare with me.

This is obviously a pro-vassien post, so if that's not your cup of tea then this might not be for you! And as always, these are just my own opinions and interpretations.

Ready? Let's go!

The Cursed Queen and the Spell Cleaver’s Son

In ACOWAR, we are introduced to Queen Vassa, the human queen who has been cursed by the sorcerer Koschei.

“But yes—queen by night, firebird by day.” He [Lucien] blew out a breath. “Nasty curse.” — ACOWAR

In this same book, we also learn that Lucien is in fact the son of daddy Helion, High Lord of the Day Court, and the Spell Cleaver. Famed for his ability to “cleave” or break magical wards, spells, and enchantments. A gift we saw Helion use first hand when he broke the spelled chains of Elain following her rescue from the Hybern camp.

And, interesting enough, a gift we might have seen Lucien himself unknowingly utilize in ACOMAF when at Hybern.

“There was a flare of light, and a scrape, then Lucien was stalking towards Elain, freed of his restraints.” - ACOMAF

Interesting that we met a cursed queen in the same book we also learn Lucien is the son of the Spell-Cleaver. And what’s even more interesting, is it seems SJM retconned some details in how Vassa was found.

In ACOWAR, Lucien tells it was Papa Archeron who found Vassa, and that he joined up with them after she was freed. However, in ACOSF we are told Lucien was, in fact, there and played an active part in finding Vassa. Here’s what the books say:

“Lucien.” I breathed. “Who?” Drakon’s brows narrow. “Oh, the male with the eye. No. He met up with them later on—told them where to go.” - ACOWAR

“He [Koschei] is still at the lake,” Lucien said carefully. Lucien had been there, Cassian recalled. Had gone with Nesta’s father to the lake where Vassa was held captive.” - ACOSF

Interesting, right? Why retcon this little detail? To me, it it seems like SJM wanted to give Lucien the knowledge of where Koschei’s lake is because, as we know, it’s only a matter of time before Vassa is called back. And is it not interesting that Lucien, the Spell Cleaver’s son, is one of the only characters who knows where his lake is? If not the only one. Seems like future set up to me.

Because, it makes sense, wouldn’t it that Lucien would be the one to return to Koschei’s lake to break Vassa’s spell and set her free. He, after all, might be the only one with magic capable of such a feat.

The Lord of Fire and the Bird of Flame

One thing that I think is very telling, especially in regards to Lucien and Vassa, is the way Feyre (our queen, our mother, our primary POV character, and arguably the “main character” of the series) observes these two. There’s a few instances I’d like to highlight. Starting with the infamous:

“A lord of a fire and a bird of flame. I wondered if they’d found each other yet.” — Feyre herself, ACOWAR

Here we see Feyre assign them what reads a hell of a lot like a couple name. She’s grouping them together and calling attention to them being a pair. And they do fit pretty well together, no? A son of autumn [see: fire] and day [see: spell-cleaving] and a bird of flame. The fox and firebird. The emissary, son and friend of many courts, and the human queen.

This isn’t the only instance Feyre calls attention to these two in the story. One of the most interesting instances for me is her observation of Lucien and Vassa on Solstice.

Lucien, surprisingly, was chuckling, his shoulders loose and his head angled while he listened [to Vassa]." - ACOWAR

Why was this surprising to Feyre? Perhaps because she’s seeing her friend back to his usual, carefree, easy going self while in the presence of Vassa? Regardless of what this scene means, I think it’s telling that it was Feyre, the story’s primary POV, who noticed this interaction and commented on it within her internal monologue. It’s almost as if SJM—through Feyre’s eyes—is leading the readers to pick up on… something.

The Sly Fox and the Fierce, Untamed Queen

It's time to talk about Jesminda. The woman Lucien loved. The woman he thought might be his mate. And the woman he lost.

According to Lucien, Jesminda was:

"Jesminda had been all laughter and mischief, too wild and free to be contained by the country life that she’d been born into. She had teased him, taunted him—seduced him so thoroughly that he hadn’t wanted anything but her. She’d seen him not as a High Lord’s seventh son, but as a male. Had loved him without question, without hesitation. She had chosen him." - ACOWAR

I think this passage is incredibly important when we look at the dynamic between Vassien and E/lucien. We see, through Lucien's own POV, that it was pretty important to him that Jesminda saw him for who we was. Chose him because of who we was. Loved him and accepted him without question. As compared to Lucien's mate, I do think this is an interesting comparison. Especially when Lucien himself thinks...

"Elain had been … thrown at him." - ACOWAR

Now this isn't a post about Elain and Lucien, so I won't go into it, but I do feel it was important to highlight the differences between the way Lucien views Elain and the way he viewed his relationship with Jesminda. I also think the aspect of choice is something very, very important. Both in Elain and Lucien's respective, and shared, journeys, but this is something I'll touch on in a later post.

But what does this have to do with Vassa? Let's consider what we know about the mortal queen and her personality.

"Only a few years older than me, but... young-feeling. Coltish. Fierce and untamed, despite her curse." - Feyre upon meeting Vassa, ACOWAR

And:

“Not for long—not if Vassa has anything to do with it.” “You sound like an acolyte.” Lucien blushed, “She’s got a foul temper and a fouler mouth.” - ACOFAS (? - I don't have my book on me, so this might be taken from the wrong book)

I think when we look at the way Vassa and Jesminda are described we can see there are several similarities between these two females. Jesminda was wild and free, filled with mischief. Vassa is fierce and untamed with a foul mouth and fouler temper. To me, these two women seem like they're the same "type" and based on the way we see Lucien reacting to Vassa... I suspect our fox boy might have a thing for fiery, foul-mouthed, fierce ladies.

Lucien, the Blushing Acolyte

So this section is a bit... untamed. But I wanted to consolidate all of the little moments I've picked up on... something existing between Vassa and Lucien.

“He’s keeping everything running. I think he’d have been crowned king by now if it wasn’t for Vassa.” A twitch of the lips, a spark in that russet eye. “She’s doing well enough. Savoring every second of her temporary freedom.” - ACOFAS

Indeed, Vassa still remained inside, chatting with Lucien animatedly. I supposed that if she only had until dawn before turning back into that firebird, she wanted to make every minute count. Lucien, surprisingly, was chuckling, his shoulders loose and his head angled while he listened. - ACOWAR

“The human queens are still out there,” I said. Maybe I’d hunt them down. “Not for long—not if Vassa has anything to do with it.” “You sound like an acolyte.” Lucien blushed, glancing at Elain. - ACOWAR

Both Jurian and Lucien stared at her [Vassa], the former’s face utterly unreadable, and the latter’s pained. - ACOSF

So... what does this all mean? Obviously its up for interpretation, but to me, these scenes show me a few things:

1) Lucien is comfortable around Vassa. So much so that he willingly lives with her and Jurian in the mortal lands away from his mate. That he's found friendship and acceptance with her, as well as Jurian, in their Band of Exiles.

Sidebar: I find it VERY strange that Lucien is able to live this way, especially when we know that mates are driven to always be around one another and pained to be a part. Yet... Lucien seems just fine living far, far away from Elain and Velaris.

2) His curse pains her. Ironic that the spell-cleavers son is pained over the curse the mortal queen is suffering? Sounds more like foreshadowing to me.

3) There’s something there. Could it be friendship? Sure. But... when considering the "type" Lucien seems to have, the way he seems lighter, more himself, feels to me like clever foreshadowing.

4) The obvious, stark contrast of Lucien's character when he is around Elain and when he is around Vassa. Around the former, he seems pained, uncomfortable, dejected, down on himself, lacking that usual snarky humor we know and love him for. Around Vassa? He appears at ease, shoulders loose and laughing easily, a spark back in his russet eye.

My (Maybe Not So) Unhinged Wish

So… what do I make of all this? Well, I think we will be seeing an epic love story play out between Lucien and Vassa. One where they choose one another. One where Lucien, who used to hold a prejudice against humans, falls for a human queen. A story where Lucien discovers his parentage to free the woman he loves.

And, my hope, is that by coming together Lucien and Vassa will be able to bridge the gap between humans and the Fae.

Queen Vassa and King Lucien Vanserra anyone?

#pro vassien #lucien vanserra #queen vassa #vassa x lucien #vassien

[lamija-v]

I just can’t fathom that a female would choose to be with someone that hunted her sister, an accidental accomplice to ending her human life, that still visits Tamlin, and lives in a house her exfinacee provides. That’s a lot. Especially the housing. How do you come back from that? I’m not trying to be all mean but I’m asking honestly how can someone come back from all that and be Elain’s love interest?

Usually I wouldn’t respond to this but here we are…

1) “hunted her sister” & “accidental accomplice to ending her human life”

You answered your own question – accidental. Lucien had no idea about the whole Hybern situation, and he did not approve of it when he found out but it was already too late. He couldn’t do anything at that point, and even if he tried to you do remember that the King was there? He would just lose his head.

In beginning of ACOMAF when Tamlin was starting to abuse Feyre, he tried to help. I don’t have the books right now to actually give citation needed for this so I looked on wiki:

“…he does what he can to alleviate some of that control, often at the expense of his own well-being. From providing her with weapons to hide on her person when Tamlin wouldn't, to begging Tamlin to allow Feyre to properly train and use her newfound powers, Lucien was seemingly the only member of the Spring Court to fight for her autonomy. When Tamlin locked her in his manor, Lucien urged her to be patient, promising to see what he could do in order to set her free, despite the threats on his life.”

I think you can see yourself that he tried. Tamlin obviously wasn’t listening to him anymore, and he is a High Lord – what do you think he could’ve done more? His entire life depends on the Spring Court as he has been welcomed to it after Beron murdered Jesminda, it’s the only place he could call home (at that point in the book). Tamlin was unstable, if he could’ve hurt Feyre he could’ve hurt Lucien too. He is a diplomat, not a warrior, and doesn’t have Rhys’ influence as a HL to do anything more.

Also: when he came for Feyre at Night Court you have to see things from his perspective. Feyre, in his eyes, was at the heart of enemy territory, in court of a man who he knows only as Amarantha’s whore for last 49 years, who murdered A LOT of people on Amarantha’s behalf, and who hurt Feyre too.

In ACOWAR, when he had to decide, he went with Feyre. He fought on NC’a behalf by finding Vassa and Father Archeron

Feyre considers him to be a friend.

2) still visits Tamlin

I mean….yeah? Tamlin was his best friend for hundreds of years, he gave him a home after the Autumn Court fiasco. It’s not easy to move on from that.

I do hope he moves on in next book because we know Tamlin hurts him too.

3) house Graysen provided

To be honest, I don’t really know what to say for this because I don’t see anything wrong with it.

In ACOFAS he said he has nowhere to go, him not being homeless is fine with me LOL.

Side note: him living in a house Graysen provided is by far the least concerning thing you mentioned

IN SHORT:

I explained to you my views, but I don’t expect you to like Lucien or Elucien. That’s not my job nor do I care. I have nothing against Elriel, Vassien, or any other ship. You can ship whatever you want, but I do not like people twisting characters to fit their ideals. I am just a teenage girl shipping words on paper, I do not hurt anyone

I do have to say tho, Rhys and Feyre had a rougher start than these two (UTM was HORRIFYING) yet they worked out. Peace out.

#acotar #elucien #lucien vanserra #pro lucien vanserra #pro elucien #I will always defend my man #this most likely has mistakes as I am not a native english speaker but I don’t gaf #ngl seeing this message pissed me off so I went on a small rant #sorry mutuals #a court of thorns and roses #sarah j maas

[roseandshadows]

In relation to Rhys and Azriel’s conversation in the BAM bonus chapter, which has been used to argue Rhys is against Elriel, let’s talk a little bit about how Rhysand views Lucien and how Rhys believes Lucien’s bond with Elain guarantees his cooperation and alliance.

“Perhaps Lucien being Elain’s mate would help – somehow. I’d find a way.” (ACOMAF, Chapter 68, Rhys POV)

Since the very inception of their bond, Rhysand has been plotting the usefulness of Elain and Lucien’s mating to his court. After the calamity in Hybern with the sisters being Made, Feyre infiltrating the Spring Court, and impending war, Rhysand is ready to use all the tools in his arsenal. This includes his sister in law’s new bond with Lucien, who is a valuable strategic player with courts Rhys has tenuous relationships with. Not only does Rhys recognize the value of Lucien as an ally, he knows just how formidable Lucien would be as a foe. And it seems he believes the surest way to navigate that alliance is through the bond with Elain.

“You trust Lucien.”

Rhys angled his head at the not-quite question. “I trust in the fact that we currently have possession of the one thing he wants above all else. And as long as that remains, he’ll try to stay on our good side. But if that changes…His talent was wasted at the Spring Court. There was a reason he had that fox mask, you know.” [Rhy’s] mouth tugged to the side. “If he got Elain away, back to Spring or wherever…do you believe, deep down, that he wouldn’t sell what he knows? Either for gain, or to ensure she stays safe?” (ACOWAR, Chapter 18).

Rhys does not fully trust Lucien to remain a close ally of his own volition and he knows Lucien could cause considerable damage to them. I believe this fear amplifies in ACOSF as Feyre is now pregnant (which triggers all kinds of protective instincts in Rhys), but also his death pact with her and impending death for them both. Their deaths would leave the Night Court in a fragile state with numerous enemies (Koschei, human queens, Autumn Court) ready to strike during that vulnerable time. And as Lucien gets closer to the Band of Exiles, the Inner Circle starts to doubt his trustworthiness, as shown in this conversation between Cassian and Mor.

“Lucien is living with Vassien. And Jurian. He’s supposed to be our emissary to the human lands. Let him deal with it.”

Mor took another bite from her pastry. “Lucien can’t be entirely trusted anymore.” …”Even with Elain here, he’s become close with Jurian and Vassa. He’s voluntarily living with them these days, and not just as an emissary. As their friend.” (ACOSF, Chapter 4)

It seems that even with the draw of the bond with Elain, Lucien is still finding himself growing close with the Band of Exiles and the Inner Circle worry how that might affect his ability to send them accurate information and work as their emissary. So with all this in mind, I’m not surprised at all by Rhys’s reaction to finding Elain and Azriel together on Solstice and how poorly that conversation went.

When discussing Lucien and the Blood Duel:

“I’ll defeat him with little effort.” Pure arrogance laced every word, but it was true.

“I know.” Rhys’s eyes flickered. “And your doing so will rip apart any fragile peace and alliances we have, not only with Autumn, but also with the Spring Court and Jurian and Vassa.” Rhys bared his teeth. “So you will leave Elain alone…” (ACOSF, BAM/Azriel bonus chapter)

So while Rhysand has always valued an individual’s ability to choose for themselves, that doesn’t negate that at the time of this conversation he has an entire court and people to consider with his death, and that of his mate and child, looming on the horizon. The pressure Rhys is under is astronomical. I’m not sure how much of Azriel and Elain’s connection Rhys has noticed up to this point, but it sounds like he is not willing to let what he believes is the only thing guaranteeing Lucien’s alliance go. That might change in future books as Feyre, Rhys, and Nyx survived the birth and Elain continues her own journey and makes her choice about the mating bond, but while she decides Rhys is willing to exploit the connections that bond brings.

#elriel #pro elriel

[truthflower19]

“The lovely fawn and the lord of fire”

How funny this sentence is not where in the books. You can find the lovely fawn in a elriel scene and the lord of fire with vassien but no where in the books is use to hint elucien. Antis loves to criticize us for using the truth teller scene but here they are making scenes up

#elriel

[violetasteracademic]

I know this has been said a million times in a million ways, but I humbly request an audience to September Virgo out for a hot minute and share my dissertation on why the "Three Brothers and Three Sisters is *lazy writing*" take is by far the WORST.

If you found me through my Lucien Vanserra's Hero's Journey breakdown (I'll link that at the end) then you already know I am an absolute nerd about book structure. I do not beef with the other ships and genuinely love and am interested in every character in these shipwars. But I get a little hot when I see this take!

The reason being is that 3 and 3 is not "lazy writing." Lazy writing is:

⚫ Conveniently de-escalating all current stakes and conflicts established in the service of a romantic pairing.

⚫ Poorly pacing a book because now we have to explain why a character was thinking about offering another character 1 ticket to ride his face, but now he quickly wants someone else instead that many people offline don't even know about. Structure wise- (we are talking three act structure here, again I have broken that down in the link I'll post below) this means that by the end of Act One, the act in which the lead of our story has been presented with all of the information and their story has been laid out, they are now crossing into Act Two with clarity and set up, (side note-the first act is typically resolved within the first 20% of the book (or less!) we must resolve an existing romance with one character that has not even gotten its opportunity to be told in depth (i.e. Feyre and Tamlin). And reasonably introduce a new romance. As well as the introduction of new plotlines to accommodate the new romance. It's just... it's a plot and pacing nightmare. I'm getting the sweats even thinking about it.

⚫ Ignoring years worth of details and foreshadowing in an act of fan service because the fandom decided they don't like your character, even if you, as the author, very much do.

⚫ Introducing a brand new plot in the middle of a smorgasbord of unresolved plotlines so a newly introduced side character who has already had a complete arc in service of another main character can now become the next main character, leapfrogging over the remaining main characters who have been around since book one with active storylines in development.

Three and three is not "lazy writing." Three is simply a motif. A motif is an artistic/literary device. Three sisters. Three brothers. Three mountains. Three stars on the night court insignia, ect.

Writing is: Structure. Line level prose. Obstacles. Stakes. Character arcs.

I will absolutely allow the criticism that it is cheesy or corny. That is an opinion, and you are totally allowed to have it. We can respectfully disagree on that and it's no skin off my back.

However, Elriel (as well as Vassien) have the elements that *good* writing is comprised of. Characters with steadily increasing arcs. Obstacles at every turn. Incredibly high stakes. And in my opinion (though of course everyone is allowed their own opinion on this!) some downright BREATHTAKING one liners and line level prose in their interactions from ACOMAF all the way to the bonus chapter.

Please, I beg of you, understand that just because you do not like something does not make it lazy or poorly executed. Art is subjective, and when we use our taste to make objective assertions about things we don't prefer, art suffers.

For more on book structure and the possibilities of Lucien and Vassa's absolutely beautiful potential, hop on over here:

Thank you for your time 😂

#elriel #elriel endgame #pro elriel #azriel x elain #elain x azriel #elriel supremacy

[acotar-taylorsversion]

So for some reason I got lost in the Elucien side of tik tok and, of course, they are convinced they are endgame. They are the ones who think Elain avoids Lucien because she’s trying to suppress her attraction to him and what not, but I just think that’s silly. Even though I agree with them about how we don’t know what’s going on in her head, I just find that theory ridiculous, especially when you look at the overall text that surrounds Elain and Lucien.

I am an Elriel supporter and have been since 2017, but I always have that “what if” in the back of my mind because we all know Sarah can just completely forget about what she’s written and do something totally different. My biggest fear is that I won’t ever accept Lucien. Like, I only really support him when I read those tiny moments when he’s talking about or with Vassa, because I can see that. But I’m scared I won’t ever accept Lucien or Elucien because of what we know.

I’ve never truly connected with Lucien. I always saw him as the annoying one. I never could understand why everyone finds him attractive or charming. I moved on quickly when we learned about his history, it didn’t really affect me. He’s just annoying to me. And I know he’s not a bad guy, like I don’t hate him. I just don’t care for him. I literally forgot all about his character in acomaf until he showed up again to kidnap Feyre, and I was totally dumbfounded when he said Elain was his mate. It was the most random thing to me. I remember reading that part 3 times because I thought I was crazy. And I was so so happy when he volunteered to go search for Vassa because that meant he was going to be gone for a while in acowar, and then I forgot about him again unless he was brought up. He’s just a very forgettable character to me and it’s going to take a lot for my opinion to change. Like I honestly hate that someone like Elain got mated to someone like him. It’s the most random thing.

Like 3 brothers x 3 sisters just makes so much sense to me and it’s so perfectly even and symmetrical. 2 brothers x 2 sisters, 1 sister x random guy, 1 brother x random girl just doesn’t make sense at all.

I don’t think I could enjoy the series anymore if Sarah has planned for Elucien and gwynriel all this time because why spend all that time building up Elriel? And I’m sorry, but people who say that they didn’t see Elriel moments as romantic clearly didn’t read them. I know we interpret things differently, but y’all are just delusional if you can’t see that.

I’ll go ahead and say it. The main reason I support vassien is because it gives Lucien a happy ending while elain is free to love who she wants and not who she is told to by the cauldron or whatever. I hate that she is being forced to make a decision that she should never have to make. And it’s not like we don’t have a reason to support vassien, there are some cute little moments between Vassa and Lucien. But even, with a vassien pov, I don’t think I would enjoy Lucien’s part. Another thing, I could totally see him dying. I’ve always thought he would seeing how he was becoming feyre’s friend and what not. That usually happens to that type of character in fantasy stories.

Who knows, though 🤷🏻‍♀️. I’m just over all these things with the fandom here lately. From the doxx threats, forcing artists to quit creating art for us because of the hate they receive, the teasing from Bloomsbury, and this stupid ship war, I’m just mentally exhausted from it.

Sorry for the rant, guys. I’ll be more positive next time, hopefully lol 😆

Hope everyone is doing good after all that’s happened ♥️

#acotar #elain archeron #elriel #pro elriel #anti el*cien #anti e/lucien #sarah j maas #just some late night thoughts #i hope it gets better #i’m not gonna lie #I’ll be heartbroken if Elriel doesn’t happen #it’s hard for me to like Lucien #i just don’t see it #I’d rather read an entire novel about Eris before Lucien and I don’t like Eris #at least Eris is interesting though #I think he’s kinda like Rhys and hides his true self from everyone a lot

[nikethestatue]

Some segments of this fandom have convinced themselves that their crackships are the real deal and that any discussion is null and void because 'it's going to happen'.

There are only TWO viable, realistically-have-a-chance-of-happening ships that both have been confirmed. Elain and Azriel (canon build up, foreshadowing and confirmed attraction) and Elain and Lucien (canon mate bond).

Beyond that, there is no Gwynriel. No Emorie. No Azris. No Bryceriel. Not even Vassien (though at least they live together).

Let's be real here.

[acourtofthought]

Hi, how are you? Sorry, I'm popping in here to rant away a bit.

I just really don't get why people want to read a story about a rejected bond?? They find the mates trope boring - but the 3 sisters+3 brothers thing not? If the mates trope is not for you, maybe don't read SJM books? Because in her universe, mates are the ultimate HEA.

I certainly don't want to read about Lucien and Az going through the pain and suffering of their bond being rejected. It would be the most miserable book in existence.

But ofc, this is the only way that a certain ship would work, so they cling to that one scene where Feysand discussed the mating bond and call it foreshadowing. I personally don't think Sarah wrote that to foreshadow a bond rejection, certainly not for the main characters, but it was important to understand for the readers that even if there is a mating bond, there is still choice.

The mating bond did not force Feyre to give Rhys a chance and eventually fall for him, same with Nesta and Cassian. Even though the males were aware of the bond.

They-who-must-not-be-named are so loud advocating for Elain's choices, yet they still ship her with a male that wants to coddle her despite her wishes and speaks on her behalf. Oh and what about her choice of giving back the necklace? She never gave back Lucien's gifts or Graysen's ring. She basically rejected him and I really don't see Az seeking her out after this to f/ck secretly.

The thing about Elucien is, short of declaring publicly 'I reject you now good sir', in my opinion they pretty much doing the bond rejection right now. It's been two years - they made zero progress in getting to know each other, they live far away from each other, trying to do their own thing. Yes we see the longing on Lucien, as it is harder on the males, but he still respects Elain and tries to give her space. The bond clearly does not force them to be together. So if Elain decides she gives Lucien a chance eventually, that will be because she chooses to do so. And this is where the choice thing comes in with mates.

I also feel like the Vassien ship is a byproduct of that ship, because they know if A+E were to become a thing, Lucien will basically go into the trash. So they try to justify it with 'but look he is sooo into Vassa he spoke this 3 sentences about her!!' which for me is absolutely ridiculous.

Another point conveniently forgotten, that not just Elucien needs to reject their bond if they want their ship to work, but also Azriel and Gwyn his future mate, and based on what we know about Azriel so far, I really don't see that happening. He wants the mating bond like his brothers.

I'm also fed up about the claims how this forbidden love would be such an epic love story. Firstly, this is not even forbidden love, because it would only take like 2 conversations to resolve the whole situation. If Rhys would feel they genuinely want to be together, he would do everything in his power to sort things out. And if you take into consideration Az's past and traumas, forbidden love would be the most harmful thing for him. It would take a huge toll on his mental health. He has so many issues and love alone will not able to heal them. I think his journey will be a dark one, much like Nesta's.

So if part of this fandom thinks Az's book will be him and Elain dodging the IC left and right and f/ck secretly, they will be in for a surprise...

Thank you for coming to my TED talk, it was sponsored by annoying instagram comments.

TED talks are always welcome 😁

I have to agree. A bond rejection would be so pointless and uninspired.

"Lucien, I don't want to be with you and I'm freeing you of our bond".

"Alright, I will respect your wishes".

That would be it. Despite what E/riels try to force as the narrative, Lucien has never pushed Elain to make a decision about the bond. He respects that he believes she wants nothing to do with him and stays away as a result, only coming around on holidays or when Rhys and Feyre invite him (considering he does work for the NC).

A rejected Elucien bond would look a lot like it currently does so what was the point of making them mates in the first place? In a novel, there's no point in adding something to the story just to prove it's a possibility when it doesn't actually add to the plot. How does a rejected Elucien mating bond really add to the plot in a meaningful way especially when we've never seen them try to interact with one another to prove they are not well matched?

If Elain and Lucien were spending time together and we could see that he was mistreating her or that they were poorly matched then we could understand why their bond didn't work and that they at least gave it consideration. But you don't give two main characters a bond in book 2, set it up so Elain isn't over the fiancé that left her (so she's not ready to address the bond), set it up so her sisters prevented them from interacting (so she can't address the bond), set it up that Elain first decides to have a rebound (which is all it can be since Az confirms they don't talk or see one another and this creates yet another roadblock for her not to deal with the bond) only to never have her talk to Lucien about their bond and reject it outright. We know she still has trauma so that's just adding to why she's not ready to deal with her bond or have a real conversation with him or her to know him. Just because Rhys's parents weren't matched (which they only figured out after getting together and the reason for that was because he was a cold, vicious man while she was soft and fiery) doesn't mean Elucien won't be and they definitely won't know for sure unless they try. SJM set up a bond between two heterosexual (in this scenario) main characters which in the authors words is the pinnacle of romance (if it turns out to be a soul mated bond) and if she's not going to attempt to explore what exists between them, what was the point? There are so many emotions that anyone with a bond is going to be feeling and for it to fizzle out without having them interact seems like such a waste. There's no tension in that, no raw emotion. (I added the heterosexual aspect because if there is any chance that Mor, a main character, was given a bond with a male, there would be a valid reason for a bond rejection because it wouldn't matter how special of a connection it was, the male could never be her ideal of peak romance. Same sex mating bonds are a possibility but as it stands, we haven't gotten hints that Mor has a bond with a female).

The fact that she's kept them apart for so long should be a hint to readers that she's building up to something big for them and having Feyre suggest "why make them mates?" in ACOWAR seems like an obvious misdirection to keep us wondering if they will get together rather than having it be so obvious. SJM is creating tension and uncertainty and that all makes sense if you want to be a good storyteller.

SJM didn't have Rhys casually slip in that Mates will always feel drawn to one another even if they reject the bond for no reason and that fact trumps Feyre wondering how the mating system works (especially when we know she doesn't grasp who Elain is or what she wants. Her reasons in questioning E/riel is based on them sitting quietly together and "how handsome they'd be" which are extremely shallow reasons. Knowing that even if you end up with someone else but you'll always be thinking of "the other guy" isn't all that romantic in a romance series.

There is not 4 books of buildup for E/riel. There is 4 books of buildup for an Elucien "will they or won't they?" accept their bond which was one of the MAJOR reveals in book 2 (not Az smiling politely at Elain, talking about how he and Cassian can fly while he stared at Mor's back with hunger elsewhere in the series) that we have yet to address and we've never really seen Elucien interact on a consistent scale. SJM didn't drop that bomb on readers then create the tension between Elucien after multiple books just to have them shake hands and walk away and she definitely didn't continue drawing attention to their similarities, changing Lucien's father to the High Lord of Day when we know Elain needs "Sunshine" for them to continue ignoring one another and not eventually realize how well matched they are (and nothing like Rhys's parents).

And you remind us of a good point. If Elain and Az would get together, that means there's a chance he finds his own mate someday (possibly Gwyn) and that means two characters would be together while always feeling drawn to others. I'm fairly positive none of us would want to marry someone in real life knowing our spouse feels a stronger pull to another at times.

Like you said, Fated Mates is a trope and when an author writes that trope it shouldn't be that surprising when their main characters end up with what they have decreed as the greatest possible love someone can be given.

#pro elucien #elucien

[katsum50]

Warning- another rambling, self indulgent post.

So, I’ve been around a while and been a part of shipping in many different fandoms, and I’ve always been like ship what characters you want and be happy. We don’t all have to agree or convince each other.

I say this because I’m about to give my humble opinion on a few acotar ships, and if you are a g*ynriel who happens to come across this, go on and be happy with your ship. Write your fanfics, draw your art. I’m glad you’ve found a bit of joy and distraction from this crazy world.

Also I am open to all kinds of fun pairings. I mean I am writing an Elain x Rhys fanfic, and I desperately want to find time to write an Aida’s x Elain little fic in my mind. I like Gwyn and Tarquin though I have no reason to, and after reading Every Rose, Gwyn x Eris has made me raise my eyebrow. Elain/Mor, Gwyn/emerie, etc… there are all kinds of ships I could enjoy, but I like reading comprehension and good stories the best so….

Gw*nriwel

This is the one ship I just cannot do. I don’t know if it’s the power dynamic between the two, or the fact she is described like an adolescent in the book (coltish and young) but the thought of her and Az is just not my thing. I like the character fine, though she is written a little suspicious.

If this happens, I can’t see it being some grand love story that spans a book. I think it would have to be in the background like Amren/Varian or a hint of it happening in the future. I could be wrong. This will never be my thing, and I have no interest in reading a story about them. I’m not going to cry or rage. I’ll just move on.

El*cien

Honestly, I could see SJM making me like this fine. I like both characters, and I’m sure she could do some sort of forced proximity/ arranged marriage thing or something. But it would have to be an Elain/ Lucien POV book which means we wouldn’t get Azriel’s story. (It just feels like a book only about him would be out of place in this series)

If this happens, I’m open to it. It will never be my favorite but eh, I could see it being entertaining.

Vassien

Yes! Please! I don’t know why, but I really want this. I want to learn more about Vassa and there is something about Lucien finding his place and falling in love with a human. I mean I know he will probably end up in Day, but being chosen is what he needs.

Elriel

I went into acotar cold, completely unspoiled for the most part. I took it very much as it is read, and I just accepted Elain/Azriel were a thing. Then I started seeing the TikTok’s, reading the tweets, coming here, and I was like WTH.

I read the bonus chapter and what I got out of it was that Az and Elain want each other bad, snd Gwyn has some sus powers. That’s it.

When it comes down to it, some of the most beautiful writing/imagery in the book has to do with Elain/Az. And can we please have a friends to lovers, chosen, somewhat healthy relationship? Can we have a spy novel and learn more about the twins? I mean if they end up being mates, fine, but I want them to choose each other before knowing it.

There is just so much to do with them that would make a good story. Rhys telling Azriel to stay away, Elain’s powers, and her hints of being a spy, her being able to wield truth teller and killing the king by stepping out of a dang shadow, the court politics (you can’t tell me Beron wouldn’t want to find a way to get to Elain’s powers by declaring she is his son’s mate and belongs in Autumn) There is just to much more..

And honestly if this doesn’t happen in some form, none of their interactions, or that blasted bonus chapter will make sense. If it’s not at least addressed there will be so much left hanging that it will be ridiculous.

Also three “brothers” three sisters is not overdone, and it goes with the theme. It’s hinted so much not only in acotar but in CC2 as well, SJM might as well just came out and said it. The three most powerful Illyrians ever found each other and stumbled upon three Made sisters. Three stars, three mountains and this:

Two intersecting triangles. Male and female, dark and light, above and below … and the power that lies in the place where they meet.”

I mean come on…

But seriously ship who you want (well maybe not Elain/tamlin, please) but be kind.

#elriel #elain archeron #azriel #pro elriel #pro vassien #lucien x vassa #elain x azriel