viridianevergarden

[viridianevergarden]

In Spite of it All (Elain x Azriel) Part III

A/N: This took much longer than expected but I think I tried to compensate with a slightly longer chapter 💀 This addition alternates between Elain and Az’s pov a little and kicks things up just a teensy bit. Also since this one is so long, I won’t put a chunk of it below. Just the link to ao3.

Word count: 7.5K

Summary: Elain meets Azriel’s mother and gets more accustomed to Rosehall. What now?

Key: Fluff, slight angst, hurt/comfort

Triggers: Pretty safe. Slightly suggestive themes.

🏷️: @downingg2001

Link to read!

#elriel #acotar #pro elriel #elain archeron #elain x azriel #azriel shadowsinger #a court of thorns and roses #elriel fic #elriel fanfic #elriel fanfiction #acotar fanfiction

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this is my official announcement and formal warning that, following the inevitable announcement of Elain Archeron’s book, I will be losing all chill and regressing into a feral, undomesticated, flea-ridden stan gnawing at the bars of my metaphorical enclosure.

No one will be safe. No theory post will go without an excited, and perhaps even incoherent, comment from me. I will be liking all the things. Devouring all the fanart. Screaming and screeching as my heart desires. I will not be tame about this and woe to those who try and stop me.

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Reblog if you think a woman can be complete without children

Y’ALL HAVE TIME TO REBLOG THIS. IT TAKES LESS THAN FIVE SECONDS.

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Lmao I was just thinking about what Elain would give Az as like the food for accepting a mating bond. (This is just for fun and ignores current canon)

Feyre over here with heated up canned (?) soup and Nesta, I believe, gave Cassian stale biscuits 💀

What would Elain give Az?

An old cookie?

Candy?

Cold food?

Or would they be the golden couple and her actually offer something appetizing, fresh, and made with love 😂

#elriel #acotar #pro elriel

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Her devouring the sight of Az after saying that line as if she’s in utter disbelief that anyone, let alone Azriel himself would come for her to save her. 🧎‍♀️

My heart has just shattered into tiny pieces thank you

thinking about when elain says "you came for me" at hybern's camp like my girl probably didn't think anyone would notice she was gone didn't think anyone would come after her :(

(they will never make me hate you elain <3)

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People try to make Elain out to be a puritan.

Like do they openly ignore that we don’t know Elain’s true self?

Do they ignore the fact that she, yes like the aforementioned, basically made a sex joke outright to Azriel himself with those earplugs?

Do they ignore the fact that she’s had sex before with Grayson and came back the morning after “glowing”, as per Nesta’s words?

And of course, do they ignore the fact that like the aforementioned, she was indeed aroused by Azriel’s motions per her initiation?

That girl is absolutely down bad and this may seem somewhat extreme but when people say stuff like “she’d never be into him and his freaky side” or have some trashy take revolving around Elain being sex repulsed toward only Azriel somehow, it almost seems like they infantilize her.

I don’t know man, but they’ll say absolutely anything to try to cleave distance between these two. It’s horrible.

Also if SJM indeed plans to have Elriel become canon, which I’m more than confident it is with our proof, odds are that Elain will be into that stuff. Why would SJM write Elriel in a way where Elain is uncomfortable with his prowess and preferences in the bedroom when they’re supposed to be written as a healthy couple with a good and very dynamic, very well meshed relationship?

"There’s no way Elain and Az are end game she’s not gonna be into the freaky, Gwynriel however…"

First of all, Elain gave her crush a cheeky yet useful Solstice gift to mute sex noises from his roommates and was then literally aroused when he touched her neck and people are out here acting like she isn't DTF?

Please make it make sense 🙃

#elriel #pro elriel

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I’m floored by the fact that Azriel only did anything, anything at all, because she initiated every time and gave him permission 🫠

It was souly because of her that he even tried to make a move. Souly because of her that he changed his mind in the heat of the moment, convincing himself that maybe— just maybe they could have a moment to themselves just for a singular night. That maybe it wasn’t so wrong. That maybe, because she wanted it too, that his feelings weren’t entirely invalid and horrid to have.

How can people hate that? How can people hate them?

All of this focus on Azriel’s horny feelings for Elain, but can we please talk about how Elain completely led her moment with Az in the bonus chapter?

Elain closed the distance, and her breathing quickened as she again paused, now a scant foot away.

Azriel let his shadows whisk away the box as she said softly, "Put it on me?"

His head went quiet. But he took the necklace, opening the clasp as she exposed her back, sweeping her hair up in one hand to bare her long, creamy neck.

Azriel's fingers lingered at her nape, atop the first knob of her spine. Slowly, Elain pivoted into his touch. Until his palm lay flat against her neck.

"I should go," Elain said, but made no move to leave.

Her arousal drifted up to him, and his eyes nearly rolled back in his head at the sweet scent. He'd beg on his knees for a chance to taste it.

Elain shuddered, drifting closer. So close one deep breath would brush her breasts against his chest.

“Yes" Elain breathed, like she read the decision. Just this taste in the dead of the longest night of the year, where only the Mother might witness them.

Elain's mouth parted slightly, her eyes scanning his before fluttering shut.

Offer and permission.

Girlie went for what she wants and Azriel, ever the gentleman, read her cues perfectly and only took what she offered. I love a couple built with respect and mutual attraction, there’s truly nothing hotter.

#pro elriel #elriel #elain x azriel

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ACOTAR Q+A:


🎀 a ship others like but you don't?

🌸 a ship others dislike but you don't?

👛 your favorite canon couple?

💕 a ship you'd defend with your life?

🖤 a character others like but you don't?

📞 a character others dislike but you don't?

🕷️a character you feel is underrated?

♟️a character you feel is overrated?

Oo I’ve never gotten one of these, let’s do it!

🎀 A ship others like but you don’t?

Gw*nriel I’m sorry lmao it gives me the genuine ick, like the creeps.

🌸 A ship others dislike but you don’t?

Not sure who dislikes this but Cass x Nesta x Azriel has me in a chokehold

👛 Your favorite canon couple?

Nessian but we all know who will take me by storm come next book

💕 A ship you’d defend with your life?

Elriel all day everyday 🤍

🖤 A character others like but you don’t?

Lucien 😐 pass

📞 A character others dislike but you don’t?

Eris 🔥 sorry but the older brother is hotter and better, he’s just that guy. Smash.

🕷️ A character you feel is underrated?

Kallias ❄️

♟️ A character you feel is overrated?

Tamlin, I just don’t see anymore hype for him that people see or want for him in the future 🫠

#anon ask #acotar #acotar q+a

[viridianevergarden]

she

#my heart I’m sorry this is too cute #I want to bite her #she #the precious baby #I love her sm

[viridianevergarden]

In Spite of It All (Elain x Azriel) Part II

A/N: It’s finally done lol. This is Azriel’s POV, starting off with a flashback so we can see his side of the story. Then after a certain point, we resume to the present.

Word count: 5.2K

Key: Angry Azriel and Angsty Azriel

Triggers: None really, pretty safe again.

It was midday when Azriel arrived at the House of Wind. He’d flown right into the living room, where ultimately, he’d hoped no one was at the time.

Nesta and Cassian usually finished up training at this time of day. At least, on the weekends. As much as he loved his dear siblings, Azriel just— Lacked any capacity to linger and talk. Not right now.

He was utterly exhausted. After all, enduring a day of work with no more than three hours of sleep under his belt was no easy feat. At his luckiest, he’d been able to squeeze in five hours of sleep a night. But of course, the night before was not such a night.

Before Azriel could even make way for the stairwell, the hearth in the center of the room lit ablaze. The House of Wind itself, the magical spectacle it had become, was inviting him to sit.

A cup of tea appeared on one of the tables by the warmth, right in front of the crimson chaise longue. The aroma he instantly recognized— Lavender. Near the cup sat a teaspoon, a jar of honey, and a small pitcher full of hot milk.

The corner of his lips twitched in bemusement. Even the House knew how he was feeling, knew what he needed. Azriel stood there, reluctant to make a choice. He hadn’t eaten all day, hadn’t put anything in his system. But he was still exhausted—

A small plate of fresh sugar cookies appeared by the tea. It seemed the House was trying its best to convince him, to coax him in. It was better than nothing, he supposed.

Azriel obliged, taking his time to sit down and mix his tea the way he liked it, even tasting one of the sugar cookies.

Truth be told, Azriel liked sweets quite a lot. Though he often refrained from eating them. Sometimes they were too sweet and others, he merely didn’t have a craving for them. His mood was more often than not the killer of his appetite for all things.

After a short time, Azriel had finished his tea and a number of the cookies. He stood, the assortment disappearing from the table as he’d done so.

They’re coming. His shadows tickled at his ears as they relayed their findings. They’re coming.

Nesta and Cassian had finally finished their exercises for the day, it seemed. They were making their way up from the training pit, no doubt.

As expected, the mated pair entered the living room, bantering about whatever the topic was at hand. Then they saw him, appearing to be quite unsurprised. Perhaps they sensed him before they even made their way around the corner.

“Azriel,” Nesta, dressed in training leathers and glistening in drying sweat, smiled at him in greeting. “You’re back early.”

The shadowsinger exchanged a bland smile in return, “I just flew in.” His words were short as ever.

“Are you alright Az? You look like shit.” Of course Cassian spouted his nonsense. He knew his brother was saying it out of concern, it was practically written all over his face. But if even he went through the trouble to say such a thing, Azriel really must’ve looked the part.

Nesta slapped her mate’s arm as to scold him. She then faced Azriel in question, her brows scrunched slightly. After all of that, she too was waiting for an answer.

“I’m fine.” He looked away from them, eyes cast down to the carpet. “Just tired.” Well, it wasn’t a lie but it wasn’t the whole truth either.

“Are you going upstairs?” To sleep. Yes, she must’ve known that he would. She always did, the perceptive female.

Azriel merely nodded, tucking his wings in tight. Nesta hummed and pulled a stray hair behind her ear, “So then you aren’t coming to dinner tonight? At the townhouse? Everyone will be there.”

Fuck.

He should’ve remembered— Should’ve expected the question no less. Silence filled the room amidst the crackling of the hearth’s embers.

“I don’t think so— Not tonight.” His tone was monotonous at best. He felt guilty about it. Azriel hadn’t seen the little babe in a while and admittedly missed his family but…

Nesta gave him a knowing look, the hint of sadness in her icy blue eyes had said it all. She knew exactly why he wasn’t going, aside from his obvious exhaustion.

She then gave him a comforting smile, “That’s okay. Go up and rest then. Sleep well.”

Cassian crossed his arms, “I can bring you a plate if you want.” He was serious. Perhaps he knew something was up too.

Azriel shook his head as he ascended the stairs, reassuring his brother that he’ll be just fine without one. Cassian didn’t fight with him on the matter, knowing damn well not to, he supposed. Azriel knew how stubborn he was, hated himself for it in fact. But he couldn’t stop being that way. It was just— How he was.

When he made it into his room, he took notice of the folded towel that was placed neatly on his made bed, alongside the faint sound of running water from the bathroom. The House was back at it again. This time, he didn’t hesitate.

The steam of the bath had helped to relieve his aching body at least— but not the pounding headache that had started in the middle of it. He was always prone to them, even more so now with the stress that he dealt with on a day to day basis. Of course, he had headache medicine but even then—

His hazel eyes focused onto the small glass bottle that sat on the bedside table. The purple bow tied around the bottle’s neck was virtually untouched. Unopened, judging by the fullness of the contents within it. Azriel had never opened it.

And now, beside the bottle laid the small box that was also given to him. Those earplugs. Regardless of how that night had transpired, how it spiraled so badly, he’d kept them too.

Azriel sighed as he finished tying the strings on his night pants, sauntering over to lay on his bed afterwards. He laid on his bare stomach, bracing his head in his arms atop one of his silk pillows. He sprawled his massive wings and got comfortable, turning his head to eye the glass bottle of headache powder and the thin blue box beside it.

The male couldn’t help but stare, couldn’t help the urge to reach out and brush his fingers over the lid of the box that contained the ear plugs.

His heart hurt. It hurt so much. He couldn’t help how he felt, how he missed that beautiful and utterly perfect female.

“You are to stay away from her.”

Rhys’ cruel and traitorous words echoed through the dark pits of his addled brain.

Even after his initial denial, after spitefully wishing to disobey his own High Lord outright, his own brother— Azriel ultimately fell in line. Because he was High Lord, because of the hurt that he so vividly recalled seeing in Elain’s eyes after his harsh words had struck her in the heart. Because he didn’t deserve her anyway.

No matter what, she was too good for him. Too good for that male, Lucien. Too good for anyone. No matter how much Azriel loved her and yearned for her touch, to be the subject of her smile— He couldn’t—

He barely even had the heart to see her face after that night. And family dinners… Well, Elain was always there. She was the beating heart of the family in his eyes. Soft and ever giving, ever loving. She always worked endlessly to provide the best food and desserts to the ones she cared for.

And if Lucien was there too, oh he couldn’t stand it. The overwhelming scent of that bond. The stench of it. For whatever reason, it had always made him feel ill. Gave him headaches, physically sickened him— Made his own bowels churn. It was positively revolting to his nose. To his being.

And so he could never allow himself to stay long. To stay close by. As much as he wanted to, as much as he wanted to see the adorable heir that was his nephew. As much as he wanted to see Elain herself. It was why he so often skipped those lovely dinners. Why he so often distanced himself from his own loved ones, as much as it hurt.

In the time that he allowed his thoughts to pester his mind, to agonize over everything once again, his shadows had condensed around him— Enveloped him like bees protecting their hive from the harshness of the world. Azriel ignored them, ignored their whispers and mutterings as he closed his eyes. Sleep took him soon after.

~ ~ ~

Read the rest here.

#acotar #elriel #pro elriel #elain x azriel #elain archeron #azriel shadowsinger #a court of thorns and roses #elriel fic #elriel fanfic

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I was thinking about Az’s mother as of late and how we might see her character come to life in the next book and how she will incorporate into elriel’s story. There’s so many questions left unanswered about her.

I do wonder what’s wrong with her. The way that everything was written regarding Azriel’s mom, it’s almost seemed like, in some way, that she has some type of issue(s).

Rhys himself questioned if Az’s mother had even considered coming “here”, to the HoW library. A sanctuary for women who were commonly saved from abuse/assault/life and death situations etc.

Rhys also recounts that Azriel’s brothers were legitimate sons, born from his father (a Lord) and his own wife. Hinting to the fact that Azriel was illegitimate himself, hence the nickname Bastard Born, his own mother was likely assaulted and she got pregnant with him afterward as a result.

Knowing Illyrian culture, his mother’s wings were likely cut. It seems that she was trapped in the situation as long as Azriel was, I don’t think there was any hope for her safety either.

From Az’s pov in his BC, his mind plagues itself with the thought that he looked too like his own father, too intimidating. He recalled his own mother cringing before his father just by crossing his own arms and opening his “hateful mouth.”

As we know, Azriel is highly, highly protective of his mother. He actively shuts down any confrontation regarding her as a topic and even acts certain ways due to her influence on him growing up. He clearly stated in the HoFaS BC (I think) that she “is anything but awful”.

Then there’s the mention of Rosehall and a “her”, likely being his mother living there in quiet refuge away from everyone.

I personally think that his mom doesn’t have wings anymore, which I (sounds terrible I know) hope she doesn’t. SJM hasn’t really experimented with a character actually having their wings fully cut and how it’d affect them as a whole within acotar.

I also think that his mother may be mentally unstable in some way or just may be physically challenged somehow. Not to mention the fact that she might feel some type of way regarding how similar Azriel may look compared to his father, her abuser.

I don’t know what else though, your thoughts?

#acotar #elriel #azriel shadowsinger #azriel’s mom

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So I was thinking about the bat boys and the sisters all having kids, of course if they all wanted to.

I personally thought Rhys and Feyre might have one other kid, probably a girl lol. One of each.

Now Cassian and Nesta— I think the fandom, from what I’ve seen, has collectively agreed that they’d be cursed with nothing but daughters. Cassian would be that girl dad.

As for Elain and Az (and ignoring current canon), I honestly think they’d try for one child and get surprised by having something like identical twins 💀

But boys? Girls? Identical or Fraternal twins? I don’t know 🤔

I think it would be cute if they had identical boys, Az being a boy dad with possibly one daughter who’s his pride and joy too omg.

#acotar #elriel #pro elriel #elain x azriel

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It’s so freaking off putting to see them say stuff like that. I’ve seen so many of them say things along the lines of “I can’t wait for them to get it on within the shelves of the library!” And I’m like 🤢

These people have an obsession with Gwyn magically “healing” (whatever the hell they intend to mean with that word because they throw it around like fuckin confetti too) and suddenly getting kinky with Az between the sheets— oh sorry, between the shelves.

Like did we not see this girl go back into the library and refuse to come back out after the events of ACOSF? She’s not ready for anything. She wants to stay in the library.

How insane and misunderstanding do you have to be of the severity and fragility of the situation that revolves around the library in order to openly insinuate that you want a character (who was a victim) getting it on all the sudden with another character (let alone a man) in her and other people’s safe space?

Pretty damn creepy.

Listen I'm all for women empowerment but what the hell is wrong with people when they say they want to see kinky scenes with Gwynriel in the LIBRARY??

You mean the library the NC has set up solely to serve as a safe space for women who have been victims of SA?

A place where men aren't usually even allowed without permission?

This is why I just can't take that crackship seriously. There's just such a poor understanding of not just the characters themselves, but the entire concept and setting and storyline SJM has set up.

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This reminds me of when Elain got up early at one point and claimed she had something to do somewhere in Velaris and Feyre made note that she thought it was a lie or that Elain was hiding something.

“Just once, Lucien had said to me, during those days on the run. That was all he wanted—to see Elain only once… “I’m going to see my sisters up at the House,” I said to Lucien…“Would you like to come?” Lucien weighed my offer—and the three males monitoring his every blink and breath. He only nodded. Another wise decision…Azriel left us as we took to the skies, murmuring that he had some pressing business to attend to…”-ACOWAR Ch. 15

🧐

#elriel #acotar

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I dont know why but I feel like if we get azriel and gwyn, it would be just another acosf. like I love the warrior girls but can we just get something different?? 😭

I’m with you. It would be another ACOSF and yet no longer than Frost and Starlight tbh.

All that would need to be done is for Azriel to magically get over Elain who he is obviously more down bad and whipped for than Mor herself.

And then proceed to get closer to Gwyn and get feelings for her?

And if we really want to give people grace and even attempt to give that type of book some length and substance then we could somehow incorporate Gwyn as a savior of Illyria with Az? Somehow do something regarding Koschei and the prison? (Even though she isn’t Made and quite literally wouldn’t be able to do shit to help).

It is the absolute weirdest and the most diabolical, worst writing I could ever imagine with the way the current story is set up.

My thought is this:

People have a near criminal obsession with enemies to lovers and strong badass “I will cut you down with my sword” type of fictional women.

They think that because this has been SJM’s forte since the start of her writing career, that she’ll continue to recycle it Every. Single. Time. Same with mates always being endgame. And that’s wrong.

By all means, enemies to lovers and strong fictional women is my bread and butter but…

Elriel’s current relationship and potential that’s been built through the course of 4 books has been fabulous.

They are such a unique and completely different turn for SJM.

We need something new. Something that SJM hasn’t really experimented with.

And that’s elriel.

Almost every ship that SJM has written involves strong women + enemies to lovers in one.

Give us friends to lovers, give us that forbidden love trope, give us that miscommunication trope, give us that soft and traditionally feminine woman who is strong in her own femininity and ability to love softly and quietly. Give us a couple who defies all odds, the gods, and Fate itself just to be with one another.

#acotar #pro elriel #elriel #pro elain #anon ask

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There’s no way I just saw a post talking about being pro Elain and then turning around to say that she deserves a mate who is devoted to her, who would -come hell or high water- do anything to keep her happy, who would protect her, etc. and then said Lucien was that person? 💀

I’m sorry- are we reading the same book?

The same lucien that thought in his mind that Elain had been thrown at him?

The same Lucien that compared her to his DEAD! Ex lover all the time?

The same Lucien who immediately questioned if she was worth fighting (betraying Tamlin) for?

The same Lucien who quite literally didn’t know Jack shit of what she actually needed? (Oh but help and sunlight was what she needed, right? Wrong <3)

The same Lucien who is apparently oh so devoted to her by avoiding her all the damn time like she does him and all he’s really ever done is get her two gifts because he felt obligated and was then forced to speak with her because Feyre basically told him to? Feyre did that with Elain too but she was adamant that she should GiVe HiM a ChAnCe because he’s “good”.

And then say that Az does nothing but diminish Elain’s wants and needs?

That he’s the problem and toxic because he hasn’t thought past his fantasies of her? (Which it’s obvious as to why but we have delulu people)

That all he does is stifle her and doesn’t let her speak by speaking for her? 💀

It’s not Pro Elain to say she deserves a mate (who she doesn’t want btw)

Vs

Saying that she deserves what she wants for herself on her own accord (which isn’t her mate btw)

I could rant on about why all these takes are dog water but I won’t because we’ve all spewed facts and debunked them a million times before.

I can’t anymore lmao it’s like they claim that grass is purple when it’s so obviously green.

#acotar #elriel #pro elriel #elain x azriel #pro elain #apologies this is a rant

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It’s a shit show out here.

How it feels being in this fandom:

"Rhysand is abusive!"

"Nessian shouldn't be together!"

"The IC is evil!"

"Tamlin wasn't THAT bad to Feyre!"

"Feyre is a bitch for what she did to Spring Court!"

"Mor is lying about Eris!"

"Amarantha needs sympathy cause her sister!"

"Tamlin turning to Hybern was justifiable."

What the FUCK is going on in this fandom.

Do ya'll like and understand what kind of books these are or not?!

#acotar #a court of thorns and roses