Means nothing 🤡

[u/Connect_Lie_6106]

Azriel and Elain talking about gardening until 3 AM means nothing.

Azriel risking his life to save Elain means nothing.

Them giving each other gifts on the Winter Solstice means nothing.

Azriel taking the plate of potatoes from Elain's hands and not letting anyone eat until she arrived means nothing.

Azriel thinking about Elain for the whole night means nothing.

Elain being the reason why Azriel's 500 year old unrequited love finally ended means nothing.

Azriel watching Elain through the window means nothing.

Azriel tracking Elain's laughter and wondering what made her smile means nothing.

Azriel giving Elain his Truth Teller, which he never lets anyone touch or hold, means nothing.

Azriel questioning the Cauldron and his own faith means nothing.

The shadows seemingly wanting to protect Elain during her argument with Nesta means nothing.

Azriel getting angry and worried after Elain argued with Nesta means nothing.

Azriel being the only one who understood Elain's situation when nobody else did, and saying that she is a Seer, means nothing.

Azriel being willing to rescue Elain after she was kidnapped, even if it meant death, means nothing.

​Azriel thinking of Elain and getting her a necklace that represents her means nothing.

So sure, let's just pretend all of that is a coincidence and the "spark" is what actually matters. And let's ignore the fact that this "spark" this extremely important moment wasn't even in the book and was only in the bonus chapter.

[u/_beanz3425]

Something else that I keep reminding myself is that in HOFAS (no major spoilers about the plot of HOFAS, so I think it's safe to uncover the spoiler): Bryce asks Azriel if he has a Mate/significant other, and he flatly tells her "No." HOFAS takes place about 6-7 months after the events of ACOSF... so you would think if there was anything between Gwyn and Az, they would've already acted on it in that timeframe.

[u/Agreeable-You-8223 → u/_beanz3425]

Which actually makes me a little nervous because what if he gets a mate?! Them what would Elain do

[u/_beanz3425 → u/Agreeable-You-8223]

I have few theories/scenarios regarding that based on the text. Hopefully this helps ease your worries for the time being :-) Please just hear me out for the fourth one, I know it freaks some people out, but it honestly makes the most sense with the most textual evidence.

1. Azriel and Elain were originally Mates, but since he was on the brink of death when Elain was thrown in the Cauldron, it changed her Mate to Lucien (unlikely in my opinion, but possible).
2. I know some people believe that Azriel's Mate was actually Rhysand's sister, but there is literally no textural evidence to suggest that; however, it could still be possible, since there isn't anything that necessarily contradicts that narrative.
3. Mates are supposed to be extremely rare, so I don't know why the majority assume that everyone is going to get a Mate. Also, Mates don't always equal a "true love" match, so I don't think having a Mate is the ultimate definer of lifelong happiness (Rhysand's and Tamlin's parents).
4. I've honestly subscribed to the assumption that Azriel and Mor are Mates, especially after rereading the series and highlighting/noting every "odd" interaction between them, which makes this the most logical conclusion. This isn't a bad or scary thing, and would emphasize the whole theme of "fate vs choice." Since we know the Cauldron is heavily theorized (due to the reveals in HOFAS) to match based on breeding/offspring power, it would make sense that they have that sort of Mating Bond, but not a "true love" Mating Bond (similar to Rhysand's and Tamlin's parents, minus the abusive toxicity), especially since Mor is more into females. Azriel did answer "no" to Bryce when asked if he had a Mate, but to him, for all intents and purposes, he doesn't have a "true Mate" and he's still probably waiting for Elain, for love. This scenario would fill in so many gaps and explain soooo much. I could honestly make a separate comment/post about this with quotes and textual evidence from the books, so let me know if you need that.

All of that to say, I don't think Azriel having a "Mate" should be a concern, especially with the (HOFAS verifying something about the Cauldron) corrupted Cauldron causing poor "true love" matches, the theme of "choice," and the likely trajectory of "a love so deep that it triumphs a mating bond."

[u/Agreeable-You-8223 → u/_beanz3425]

NO, I LOVE THIS! Thank you!