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- [00:01]
Lexi
This episode is brought to you by Google Gemini. With the Gemini app, you can talk live and have a real time conversation with an AI assistant. It's great for all kinds of things like if you want to practice for an upcoming interview, ask for advice on things to do in a new city, or brainstorm creative ideas. And by the way, this script was actually read by Gemini. Download the Gemini app for iOS and Android today. Must be 18 to use Gemini Live Baking Hershey's Kisses Peanut Butter blossoms is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family with their classic rich, creamy milk chocolate taste. There's no better way to heartwarm the holidays than by baking with Kisses chocolates. Find Hershey's Kisses holiday Chocolates at your favorite retailer. Welcome welcome welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved fantasy lore, character theme, series and more.
- [01:05]
Nicole
I'm Lexi. I'm Nicole and today is our Episode nine Deep Dive of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, where we're covering chapters 60 through 64. As always, let's start with our content warning. While today's discussion focuses on chapters 60 through 64 of Silver Flames, all of our episodes include spoilers for the entire ACOTAR series. These deep dives do not, however, have spoilers for the rest of Sarah J. Maas's series, except at the end of every episode with our Mass First Madness segment where we give a big spoiler warning for the other Mass first books before continuing our conversation with Crescent City and Slash Throne of Glass Connections.
- [01:42]
Lexi
So with all of that said, if you don't know why we're going to the Best Guy of Obstacle course and also entering the Hunger Games this episode, then please go finish the book. We will be here when you're done.
- [01:53]
Nicole
Next, we at Fantasy Fangirls are adults who say adult things about adult books. In other words, friends, this podcast is.
- [01:58]
Lexi
Rated R. Lexi, did you know that there is a difference between lovemaking and frantic fucking? And Nesta lays it all out for us explicitly for much longer than you think you should, and so will we. So please be mindful of those little listening ears.
- [02:17]
Nicole
Additionally, we are so excited to see you at upcoming live events.
- [02:21]
Lexi
You can dance the night away with us at the Fantastique Collections New Year's Eve Drop Party in Denver, Colorado.
- [02:27]
Nicole
We are partnering with Barnes and Noble for the Onyx Storm Midnight release party on January 20, 2025 in Glendale, Colorado.
- [02:35]
Lexi
We have so much in store as podcast partners for Both Romana Seat Bookcon in LA in February 2025 and Romana Seat Bookcon in Orlando, Florida in October 2025.
- [02:45]
Nicole
We'll also be featured guests at Enchanticon in St. Louis, Missouri August 15th through 17th, 2025.
- [02:52]
Lexi
Links to all of these many events and more information are in the show notes.
- [02:56]
Nicole
And lastly, if you love Fantasy Fan Girls and have been loving this Acotar series journey, we're on together. If you want more content, more community, more events, more in the lead up to Onyx Storm and just more all around, please check out our Patreon.
- [03:10]
Lexi
We have three membership tiers that you can join the Valkyries which includes access to our Boppin Discord live Q&As from Lexi and I, including this weekend where we are doing our final live Q and A about all things Acotar. And we're also revealing a lot of our E Easter eggs that we did in the lead up to announcing our next book series which is Spark of the Everflame. We also have book clubs, exclusive author interviews, community events, promo codes for live events, plus 20 off discounted merch. That's all for $5 a month. That's our lowest tier. Then we move up a tier to the High Fae which includes everything from the Valkyrie level plus early access to ad free episodes, our full episode outlines and special voting privileges. That's for $10 a month. And last but not least, we have the Priest Dean Inner Circle tier which includes everything from the previous two tiers plus more behind the scenes content, a welcome gift, giveaways, private Discord Channel. Your name also shouted out on the podcast and that is for 25amonth.
- [04:05]
Nicole
Join the party at patreon.com fantasy fangirls. The link is also in the show notes. And really and truly, thank you so much for supporting us as we've turned this podcast into our livelihood. It's all because of you and we appreciate you so much.
- [04:17]
Lexi
And now it is time to cut the ribbon.
- [04:24]
Nicole
To kick off every episode, Nicole summarizes what happens in this stretch of chapters. So gather around friends. We need an Inner Circle debrief for Silver Flames chapters 60 through 64.
- [04:36]
Lexi
Chapter 60 Cassian is gone for a whole five days. Beds empty, no note, car gone. Nicole is absolutely disgusting, disgusted. But when he gets back, there has been a shift in these trainees. History is happening in the House of Wind because it looks like at the end of training each of our trio successfully cuts the ribbon. But the Powerpuff Girls don't get a break because it's time to get back into training. The next day and it's time for fitness Graham Pacer test. I mean it's time for the Gauntlet, damn it. I mean it's time for the obstacle course from hell. After three hours, they made it halfway. But after two months to the day, the Charlie's Angels officially complete the obstacle course. Which, surprise, it was actually the Blood rite qualifier. Chapter 61. There's one last test to pass. Finish the 10,000 step. Around and around and around she goes. And when she gets to the bottom, head completely clear and body exhausted, she turns around and heads back up the 10,000 stairs. And then her legs fall off. Story over. Just kidding. Because it's Starfall and a finely dressed Cassian swoops her up at the top of the steps and brings her outside to the party. Nessa stares at stars in wonder and feeling so grateful for this life that she's living. She apologizes to Amren and the two friends finally make up. Chapter 62 Montage Spring rolls around with no movement from Briallyn or Baron, and our team is doing nothing about it. Training is underway. Fucking and lovemaking is a constant vigilance. And finally, Nesta gets a letter demanding her presence, meeting up with Eris in the middle. Our Autumn Court High Lord wants to give a quick history lesson about the three sacred mountains and what could possibly be carved underneath in palaces in them. But Cassian is a rude student and changes the subject. Cassian, I wanted to know what Eris was saying. Ah. Eris informs them that his father is making money moves and whoops, it gets slipped that they have two items of the trove. Which leaves Eris feeling a little uncomfy. But just to really twist the knife, Nesta shoots down his marriage proposal. Bad day for Eris. Cassian and Nesta fly back to Valeris and take a romantic stroll down the sidra. But Nesta slightly ruins the moment, saying that they're not mates. And all hell breaks loose. Which leaves Nesta invoking their bargain and telling Cassian to get the fuck out. Nesta goes to Windhaven, where her two friends comfort and calm her down. And she falls asleep, knowing that she will talk to Cassian tomorrow and everything's going to be fine. Spoilers. It's not. Because that night the three females are taken. Dun dun dun. Chapter 63 Cassian, after a night of being forced back to the House of Wind, goes to Windhaven to talk to Nesta, but instantly knows something's wrong. And Rhys confirms. Gwyn, Emery and Nessa were snatched from their beds and forced to join the blood rite, chapter 64. Nesta wakes up surrounded by hundreds of bound Illyrian males. Kinky. But what's this? Weapons. Kinkier. And another tribute also woke up early. Ladies and gentlemen, let the 15,102nd Hunger Games begin. Cut to Cassian. Homeboy is a mess and desperately wants to help his mate. But if anyone pulls a warrior out of the Blood Rite, dishonor on your whole family. Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow. He can't just sit around for a week and do nothing though. So what do we do? Go save Aeris, who's been taken by Brielle. And sure for the plot. But why can't Rhys and Feyre go? Rhys and Feyre made an oh so romantic death bargain. Well, maybe not their smartest decision ever. Now back to Nesta. Nesta grapples with the Illyrian male at the Cornucopia, but ends up getting her first kill. And the cannon fires. But after calming down, Nesta gets a quick outfit change. This time on New York Fashion Week wearing the clothes of your dead enemies. Vanessa knows she needs her besties, so she runs off to find her friends.
- [08:20]
Nicole
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- [08:30]
Lexi
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- [08:50]
Nicole
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- [09:16]
Lexi
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- [09:42]
Nicole
It is time to step into the cauldron and discuss key insights, character analysis, lore, foreshadowing theories, and oh, so much more. Also, friends, I do apologize about my voice today. Tis the season I've got a cold. So period voice here today. Five days after winter solstice, Cassian's amped up horniness from the mating bond has worn off. And now he's just back to his usual horniness. I'll call it.
- [10:10]
Lexi
Can I be honest with you? If I had just had life altering sex with a guy and then I didn't hear from him for five days, I would have thought I got played by the biggest fuckboy ever. Like, I love Cassian. I understand. I'm still mad at him for this shit.
- [10:28]
Nicole
I don't think Nest is mad at him because she trusts him and they know what they have.
- [10:32]
Lexi
That's great. I'd be pissed.
- [10:35]
Nicole
But when he returns to training, Cassian noticed a shift in Nesta, Emery and Gwen as they stand around the ribbon, ready to take it on with renewed focus and sisterly support, a prayer and a summons, Gwen whispers, quote, I am the rock against which the surf crashes. Emery follows up with nothing can break us. Acknowledging Gwen is not alone and they are a unit facing this challenge together, Cassian reflects, quote, in a hundred years, a thousand, this moment would still be etched in his mind. That he would tell his children, his grandchildren, right then and there. That was when it all changed. Azrael went wholly still, as if he too had felt the shift. As if he too were aware that far larger forces peered into that training ring as Gwen moved. Gwen's body works in singing harmony as she executes a perfect backhanded slice that cuts the ribbon in half. Huzzah. She did it. She cut the ribbon. By the way, I love the description of singing harmony in connection with Gwen. It's so fitting for her. Cutting this ribbon was the final test to become a Valkyrie, because to be able to do so represents your skill as a warrior, as we've been talking about. And Gwen has been on a mission to cut this ribbon to prove to herself that she can accomplish this goal that embodies strength, precision, determination and skill. Like Nesta, Gwen has tied this challenge to her own healing journey as she works on overcoming her sense of self worth, courage and ability to succeed after devastating failure, creating their own ritual right here and now. Nesta ties the cut ribbon around Gwen's brow and declares her Valkyrie.
- [12:10]
Lexi
Chills. Chills.
- [12:11]
Nicole
Just chills.
- [12:11]
Lexi
I love this section so much. And I love the extra meaning it has for Gwen because of the ribbon's placement. Gwen feels so undeserving of wearing her invoking stone upon her brow. And that's why she's one of the few priestesses who opts out of it. And it's all because of what happened in Sangre Va, which we will go into in detail next episode. But she does feel deserving of this ribbon. She has poured herself into Valkyrie training and now it is the first thing to graze her brow after the attack in Sangre Va. And it's not the stone. It's like. It's almost like her chosen path. Valkyrie is what goes on there. I love it.
- [12:45]
Nicole
Me too. By the end of training that day, both Emery and Nesta cut the ribbon as well. I do love that Gwen is the first to cut the ribbon. It's such a powerful moment that all three females complete this challenge and become Valkyrie the same day. But because of what we were just saying with the significance of this ribbon for Gwen, it means so much that she's the first. Despite Nesta being our main character, gaining this title of Valkyrie and achieving this goal is so much more than cutting the ribbon. The Valkyries have been lost to history and have not been around for 500 years. Though here these females are the reborn, reborn Valkyrie. They have brought this ancient Valkyrie tradition back and are re establishing this new group of female warriors as a force of resilience, unity and strength. They represent female empowerment and pave the way for others. These three females have trained no matter the conditions, no matter what exercises they're tasked with and pushed through their fears and excuses to accomplish this. And I'm just so proud of them. Yay for Valkyries.
- [13:40]
Lexi
After the trio cuts the ribbon, Cassian and Aziel get an idea. The gauntlet, which is just an obstacle course for them, which pause. Because right before I walk through this, right after cutting the ribbon, Cassian and Nesta don't do anything more than just exchange a few glances before Cassian takes to the skies again. I love the symbolism of that. He understands training is much bigger than him and his mate. But if I was Nesta again, I would be like, you're blowing me off my guy. Where did you. Where are you going anyway? Back to this obstacle of course coiled around the training ring like a snake. The course must be worked through in groups of three, but it has an overall pattern to it. Part one is footwork, like running with your knees up to your chest through a ladder, or balancing on this like super suspended balance beam or a swinging log that knocked Emery on her ass. Part two is some kind of mental challenge. It's like a puzzle that you have to think through together and you can only get through if you rely on each other. It can also be a spinning many armed wooden thing that decimated Anaka, which I only picture from the Witcher, where. Yep, absolutely. And lastly, part three comes in. This is where they are completely exhausted from endurance. They're mentally exhausted from the puzzles. But this is the feats of strength.
- [14:59]
Nicole
The only thing missing from this obstacle course is, and you all guessed it, giant hanging balls. Oh wait, I guess that's Cassian and Asriel off to the say.
- [15:07]
Lexi
Oh my God. Now these Valkyries also don't even have a chance to memorize this course because these sadistic bastards change it with the giant hanging balls. Oh my gosh. Now this all sounds simple, right? Just a three part obstacle course. Wrong. The Bat Boys are not humble about this. Also, they say how there's no way in hell these females will finish the course. And these two would know, given that these are different routes from various qualifiers over the centuries. I love that when Azriel is like, given that there's no way in hell you're gonna finish it today and all the Valkyries go boo. I just see that so clearly. It's so good. Plus, they only have an hour to work through the course each day with the exception of day one. So it's really only enough time for them to get so far around to part 2 ish, before they have to stop obstacle course training for the day and instead move towards military training as a unit.
- [16:00]
Nicole
Especially on the heels of Azriel's bonus chapter and our episode Deep Diving that we have to talk about this shift in Azriel and Gwen's relationship following Winter Solstice. Remember that in the middle of the night on Winter Solstice, Azrael coached Gwen through the motions to cut the ribbon and corrected some of her movements right before she cut the ribbon five days later. Quote, his attention was fixed on the young priestess. Admiration and quiet encouragement shining from his face. Ah, I just love that so much. With the bonus chapter context, we know that he understands her determination and dedication to cutting this ribbon on a deeper level, both with her extra middle of the night practice and why she is so fueled to achieve this. He was the one who saved her in Sangre Va and he has seen her grow into this warrior before. Him. The next day, we get little descriptions that hint toward their budding connection. Gwen asks Azrael a question with her teal eyes, bright as she looks at him. His shadows dance around her when she speaks to him.
- [16:55]
Lexi
This, this, this, this stop.
- [16:58]
Nicole
Her insistence to prove them wrong has a subtle little flirtation. I'll even call it. Like how she throws him a withering stare as she walks past him, saying over her shoulder, see you tomorrow, shadow Singer. And he stares after her, brows high with amusement. Like we're seeing this new side of as you know, and as Nessa points out, as is the new ribbon. Gwen has been determined to overcome the challenge of the ribbon and become laser focused on cutting it in half. Now her new mission is to prove Azriel wrong, that they won't complete the obstacle course. They will finish this test, and she can wipe his smug smile off his face.
- [17:34]
Lexi
I love this double meaning here. Yes, she wants to wipe this mug's look off his face and, you know, prove him wrong. But this is also with him being the new ribbon. She was determined with the ribbon. She is now determined with Azriel to get more and more in with him.
- [17:51]
Nicole
Oh, I didn't get that vibe at all.
- [17:54]
Lexi
Exactly what I took this as. She's got a crush on him and she's determined to do something about it. That's how I took it.
- [18:00]
Nicole
I definitely took it as a flirtation of competitiveness with him.
- [18:05]
Lexi
I think it's both. I think it's definitely the flirtation of competitiveness because that's just who Gwen is. And I definitely think that's who as is. I think the reason his eyebrows are so high and he's like, whoa. He's not used to someone outright flirting with him, like, ever. Actually really hard years. He has either been working in the shadows at night, but with Elaine, or unrequited love for 500 years. He's so unused to someone flirting with him like this, where she's like, she's making the moves here. And I just think that's so awesome and I love Gwen.
- [18:36]
Nicole
One more thing to note here before we move on. Notice how Cassian is right there with Azriel. But it's as Gwen has her attention on who she's choosing to give attention to in that way. Yep. Yep.
- [18:46]
Lexi
Is the new ribbon. I'm so excited. Two months to the day after the course was brought in, our trio is the first to make it to the finish line. Huzzah. But gosh dang it. Because of course, it's on a day where all the priestesses were summoned away by Clotho for a special ceremony that only Gwen was allowed to be exempted from. Or so they thought. Turns out that Azriel and Cassian both had a hunch that today was going to be the day that these three would conquer the course. So they brought in some spectators, Lord Devlin and another Illyrian male who's watching from the upper lip of the pit. Surprise, ladies, you just passed the Blood Right qualifier. I want to take a moment and just. I'm really on Team Gwen today, apparently. I want to highlight how big of a deal this is for Gwen. Yes, all three of them passed the qualifier. They've been working on it for months. Gwen has been pushing them to absolute exhaustion every single day. But Gwen knew that there were going to be males watching her and she chose to come to the ring and be around them. Even with the horrible way that they're looking at her like, it just, it really shows that she is so determined to win the obstacle course and that is bigger than her fear of the past. It's also really great foreshadowing for us readers and how she's going to kind of kick ass in the blood, right? Like she, she takes names and I love it.
- [20:05]
Nicole
These Illyrian spectators, though, are not so happy about the female's accomplishment of completing this Blood Right qualifier. We all know how Illyrians feel about females training. They are backwards and misogynistic. They don't believe females belong in a training ring, much less should they become warriors. They don't think they can become warriors. Females aren't as strong, skilled or brave enough as the males. And here Nesta, Emry and Gwyn have proved them wrong. These females are as capable as the Illyrian warriors these leaders have trained. They are challenging this male dominated warrior culture that Illyrians have held onto for their entire existence. Cassian, in particular has pushed for females to learn how to fight for decades. Remember how much he was trying to get Devlin to let the girls train too, in frost and starlight. So here he is, bypassing Devlin and training females to qualify for the blood rite without their permission and definitely without their help. As Cassian says to these three females, quote, we wanted Devlin and whoever he tells to understand that you're as talented as any Illyrian unit. This was the only way they'd get it. Being a Valkyrie means nothing to them and you certainly don't need their approval. But I wanted them to know what you've accomplished. That even though Valkyries don't have something akin to the blood rite. You're as trained as any warrior in Illyria.
- [21:18]
Lexi
I do actually wonder real quick, do you think that AS was in support of this? Do you think that this was partly his idea or this seems very Cassian.
- [21:25]
Nicole
I think it's definitely Cassian. I do see Azriel supporting it in the sense of proving these Illyrians wrong.
- [21:32]
Lexi
Yep, I agree. However, Nesta speaks for the three of these females when she says, quote, I'd rather be a Valkyrie and oh, I love this line. Not only is this a nice little subtle fuck you to Devlin and you know, it really aligns with the female empowerment that SJM books are always shrouded in, but this also really aligns with Nesta's story. She wants to lead an army of females, not be bogged down by these misogynistic Illyrian warriors. She is making her own choices. She's choosing her own path that she's going to carve, even if it means being the absolute unknown and the Valkyries reborn. I just love it so much.
- [22:11]
Nicole
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- [22:40]
Lexi
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- [22:59]
Nicole
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- [23:21]
Lexi
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- [23:49]
Nicole
And for OTC withdrawals so Ness has cut the ribbon to become a Valkyrie. She's completed the Blood Right qualifier to become an Illyrian warrior. But one test remains quote not any Cassian had given her or any decreed by Illyrians or Valkyries, but one she'd set for herself. It's time for Nesta to go down all the house of winds 10,000 stairs. Not because she feels out of control and fueled by hurt and rage like she was the one and only time. She has already achieved it because Nessa doesn't count that one time. She wants to be able to make it to the bottom intentionally because she is self driven to overcome this challenge and prove her strength both physically and emotionally. Nesta thinks, quote she would not be mastered by anything again. She was a master of herself. This final test she has set for herself is such a full circle moment representing her emotional growth and newfound purpose on this beautiful healing journey we've all been on with her in this book.
- [24:41]
Lexi
I love that the whole time she's going down the stairs she's remembering moments from the last few months. She's remembering her friends, Cassian's voice, her own achievements. Because remember the first few times she went down the stairs she was pelted with memories of her father, her failures, or deep traumatic moments of her life. Now it's this music in her heart, quote A song made up of Cassian's voice, of Gwen and Emery's laughter of her own breathing as she went down and down and down the stairs.
- [25:10]
Nicole
Ah yes, she's reflecting on how full her life is and you can feel through the pages the pride she has for herself and how far she's come. She's even practicing the next phase of mind stealing with active soothing as she moves versus just sitting, showing the progress she's made with mind stealing too, and how it contributes to her ability to.
- [25:30]
Lexi
Overcome and then we get one of probably my favorite lines in the entire Acotar series. Quote and this person she was becoming emerging into day by day. She might even like her. Oh my God. How many of us less than a year after deep dark depression can look at ourselves and say this? That I'm. I like the person who's looking back at me?
- [25:53]
Nicole
That's real work that she has put in. And she is feeling the payoff now.
- [25:59]
Lexi
It is the symbolism of true hard inner work and the love that she's cultivated. It's also showing the family she's now found and surround herself with. And I love that there's all this emphasis on she's imperfectly growing as a person. I have nothing but actually just immense pride for this fictional character of Nesta because it's capped off by her making it down the stairs. She's looking at the city of Valaris, which is a place for rebirth for Feyre. It's a space of life and joy. And it's not appealing to Nesta because life and joy is not in a city anymore. It's not in the bottom of a drink at a tavern anymore. She looks, looks back up to the top of the House of Wind that's preparing for Starfall. And she knows that real life is waiting for her up there. Because it's not a place, it's a person. It's just this beautiful full circle moment for Nesta. She doesn't want to go back to her old life because she's found something so wonderful and joyous. And she sees a future with now. And duh, I love it. So she smiles and begins the climb back up the 10,000 steps. Oh, Lexi. It is time for our final stair math of this book. And as far as I know, unless Onyx Storm has some stair math, as far as I might be the last time fantasy fangirls does stair math. So cue some sad music. Nesta makes it down and back up the 10,000 steps. So thank you very much for the tiny vibe island. So 20,000 steps in total. So round trip. We're only doing round trip Math. This is 2.85 miles. 4.59 kilometers or 12.69. Nice trips up and down the Empire State Building. 12.69 trips up and down the Empire State Building. That's insane. Now, Lexi, I have a proposition for you.
- [27:57]
Nicole
No.
- [28:03]
Lexi
Okay, I'm gonna say it anyway, though. The week this episode airs, if you're not dying, I vote we go and schedule our stairstepper day because it feels so symbolic of finishing out Nesta's journey with you and I. Also going to the Stair Stepper and seeing how that goes. We can plug in, we can listen to some books.
- [28:23]
Nicole
Okay, well, when you put it that way, with the symbolism and all of that, how can I say no? As long as I'm not still sick?
- [28:31]
Lexi
Yes, ma'am. Sounds good.
- [28:34]
Nicole
When Nesta climbs back up the 10000 steps. Which, wow, it cannot be overstated. How impressive that is to not only make it to the bottom, but then to go back up. Oh my goodness. Cassian is waiting for her at the door to the stairs. I just love that he must have known that's where she was going and he waited for her at the top. If that's not symbolism of these two, I don't know what is.
- [28:56]
Lexi
Oh, I didn't think about it that way. That's beautiful. I also love how she sees him and she immediately kisses him. End quote. Those silent words passed between them, these two. And I'm really gonna throw Cassian kind of under the bus for a second. Because he gets a lot of flack for not saying I love you to Nessa. In this book. They are saying it back and forth. It's just not verbally they're saying it in. There's all the subtext of it. So anyone who's like Cassian doesn't really love Nesta. I'm just calling this out. It is on the page. It's there.
- [29:28]
Nicole
The Starfall party is already underway. And Cassian sweeps leg buckled Nesta up in his arms to take her to an open balcony so she can see the stars. She doesn't care that she's covered in sweat and wearing her leathers among all these fancily dressed partygoers. She is too wrapped up in the beauty of the sky to give it a second thought. Quick pause. We've wondered before how in the world all these partygoers are able to get to the House of Wind. And since Nesta did not run into anyone hiking up all those stairs to get to the party, I think we can officially rule out anyone taking the stairs. We already kind of figured that because they're all fancy and all that. But we can now officially rule it out. Which means the Uber Winnowers and Bad Boy Flyers have been working overtime to get everyone to this party.
- [30:13]
Lexi
I am Team Helion. Because he's here. He flew in on his Pegasus chariot, so maybe he picked up some people on the way.
- [30:19]
Nicole
Nesta takes in the beauty of the sky as all the spirits migrate. Some splooging and bursts of glow. Last year, Nesta was too drunk to really remember Starfall. And what a stark difference this year is with her just completing her own test of doing the 10,000 steps. She is so captivated by the beauty of this world and feels so full with wonder and joy that she begins to cry. Nessa is someone who feels everything which is One of the reasons she has had such thick walls. Because when it cracks, the floodgates open up. So here she is, content with letting all these positive feelings fill her. Bursting with life and love and happiness again. Think back to how this book started. When Nesta was so consumed with self loathing and hatred for everything around her. Lashing out like a caged wolf, she turned everything into something negative. She has set herself free. And here she is, basking in the beauty of it.
- [31:16]
Lexi
She even sticks her hand out, trying to, you know, touch a few stars. And she gets a big old handful of spirit splooge. But she loves it. It's great. As Nesta tilts her head up to the sky and laughs, a sound of pure joy. A voice comes up beside her. It is Amren's. These two have been through oh so very much. Starting off as confidants, then mentor mentees, then friends, then buried by their own anger at each other. Amren angry for how far Nesta fell and gave up on everyone, including herself. And Nesta angry for feeling like Amren chose Feyre over her. Among other things. At least on the surface. Nesta was scared to use her powers again. And afraid of feeling out of control and at the mercy of something that failed her so wholly when she faced the King of Hybern and her father. But now, with this emotional growth that Nesta has done in these past months. And the self awareness that it has cultivated, she is finally able to look at Amren and apologize.
- [32:11]
Nicole
Remember back at the lake when Cassian told Nesta to apologize to who she feels the need to, and then to leave the things that she's ashamed of in the past. It's up to Nesta to wish to be forgiven by others, and especially herself, in order to move on. She's taking Cassian's words to heart here. Nesta doesn't want to live in the past with Amren anymore. She doesn't want this terrorist terrible tension between them to keep festering. She misses Amren's friendship and wants to make things right. This grand gesture of falling to one knee and bowing as she delivers her sincere apology filled with genuine regret. Self awareness and appreciation for Amren is such a big step forward. Amren even becomes teary eyed. She feels Nesta's sincerity. These two were such good friends before and saw kinsmanship in one another. They won't be sisters like Nesta is with Emory and Gwen. But they are still dear friends who Nesta deeply respects and looks up to. We've already talked so much about the House of Wind part of this exchange between Amren and Nesta, so don't mind us as we skim over that part. But it really proves to Amren that Nesta's power is not only terrible death like she's been treating it, especially with the made weapons. Amren has learned that Nesta can create good too, and that the good can exist beside the darkness. Because, as we all know, quote, the struggle with that darkness is worth it, just to see such things that are good and fill us with wonder.
- [33:30]
Lexi
That's such a beautiful callback to Acomaf, when Rhys fills the arena with darkness and really gives Feyre that lesson. And it's here's. Here's Nesta learning it too.
- [33:40]
Nicole
I feel like that's really a symbol of the Night Court, where everyone looks at the darkness more so like with the Court of Nightmares and such. And yes, Rhys did put on that show for a long time, but there is such good as well, despite the darkness, despite. Despite the facade and all of that.
- [33:55]
Lexi
Yes, exactly. So Amren, truly seeing the genuine sincerity in Nesta's eyes, looks at her and says, quote, welcome back to the Night Court. I want to note how Amren doesn't ever, in the scene apologize or even say, I forgive you, because these six words, welcome back to the Night Court, are that and so much more. They say, I see how much work you've put into yourself. I see how much you care for others, especially Cassian. I see how much you're letting yourself feel those deep depth of emotions. I see how sorry you are. These words also are, I forgive you, and I'm excited to be back in your life again. But most importantly, in my opinion, they say, congratulations, you did it, Nesta, which just gives me chills.
- [34:39]
Nicole
And Nesta deeply cares about Amren's opinion of her, so this stamp of approval and acceptance means the world to her. I agree with you. Amren doesn't necessarily do her part in any apologies or forgiveness or something like that, but this does embody that, even if it's not actually the words on the page. Yeah, because it.
- [34:58]
Lexi
It notably doesn't say welcome to the Night Court. It says welcome back to the Night Court. So it's basically this feeling of opening their arms and giving her a hug and. And saying, again, it's that you did it. You came back from this dark place, which is huge.
- [35:12]
Nicole
A few months later, it's springtime in Perthian. There has still been no word from Brialen or Baron, but Cassian warns that armies don't usually attack during the winter months. So Brielle and very well may have been gathering her armies when it was cold, waiting to unleash them until the weather's warmer. Any and all reports about Brian's movements have needed to come from multiple sources to ensure their accuracy, since Asriel is still not allowed to spy on the continent and risk getting too close to the crown. I love the summary quote. They knew nothing and could only wait. Do you have something to say, Nicole?
- [35:44]
Lexi
I have a lot of things to say, but I'm gonna wait until it's time to save Eris section and then I'm gonna go off. Me too.
- [35:50]
Nicole
Me too. Eris has sent an impatient and demanding letter to our crew, requesting Nesta and Cassian to meet him in a forest located in the middle. So remember, this is neutral territory. I assume Aeris is still very uncomfortable meeting in the Spring Court, because last time they met there, Tamlin came upon them. And he's got super duper secret secrets to share with Nesta and Cassian. But first, a quick history lesson on the sacred mountain where Amren built. Under the mountain. From the original tunnels and halls carved long ago, it turns out that the.
- [36:21]
Lexi
Sacred mountain is one of three sister peaks throughout Prythian. The other two being the Prison and Ramiel. All are bald, barren mountains, completely at odds with those around them. And it's rather odd that at least two out of the three have palaces carved into their underground. At least to their knowledge. Can we pause? Can we just both agree that Ramiel also has. Yes, yes, yes, there are something under Romeo. Because this is Eris's reasoning. He's like, well, the Illyrians never checked. They were never curious enough to see see what secrets lie beneath under Ramiel. So tbd. This also has a palace underground. In fact, I don't even think it's tbd. I can say with like, I will die on this hill. I think this is a hill I will die on.
- [37:05]
Nicole
And we also cannot forget that during the great war between the Fae and the Daglan's forces needed to get to Romiel. For some reason or another, nobody knows. And that is why Aeneas was having to defend Romiel. And hence why the blood right is all there. Which we're going to be going over in today's session. Cereal tea time. So I think that the Daglin needed to get to Romiel for reasons. For something maybe underneath it or because of the onyx monolith. Definitely. I think that's definitely has to do with it. Too. I have so many questions.
- [37:33]
Lexi
Well, we. We gotta just dive into this because I have also a lot of questions. And first up, it's actually something that Cassian says, because as Eris is saying, that there's a palace underneath the prison as well. Cassian says, quote, I'd hardly call the prison a palace. If indeed the prison used to be the eighth court, then it most likely did indeed have a palace carved in it. I just. I love that little Easter egg nugget.
- [37:58]
Nicole
Well, it's also so interesting because Cassian has already been into a secret chamber in the prison where she had no idea existed. And it's got all these carvings, and the harp was in there. And it's like, Cassian, there are big mysteries under the prism mountain that you already. We learned about a few chapters ago.
- [38:15]
Lexi
Yes. Ah, okay. So now we have to move over to Romiel, because there is a palace under Romiel. Like, there is no way. There's. There's not this line. And that does not come to pass in some way.
- [38:25]
Nicole
I think we also have to define what a palace means, because it's not the typical palace that we think of. It's more of underground tunnels, carvings. Remember back in Acotar when Pharaoh was trying to be sneaky in the tunnels, she saw carvings and things along those lines. So I guarantee that there are similar tunnels, chambers, things along those lines under Romiel. So maybe not necessarily a palace in and of itself, but something that could home a palace or you know what we mean. Yeah.
- [38:53]
Lexi
Yes, exactly. Well, and I wonder if there's something very secretive stashed within under Ramiel in these tunnels in this palace of sorts, like Narben. Even though Narbonne's being rumored to be in the ocean. Like I could see Narbonne being under Ramiel. Coast Day's death. Box. Box is another one, which I know we both are, especially with the Russian folklore around Kosje and Yvonne Snow Stavich, our Son of a Pine tree.
- [39:16]
Nicole
I really wish I was wearing my Son of a Pine Tree sweatshirt, but I wore that last week because it's literally got a mountain and then the egg in a black box.
- [39:24]
Lexi
Yes. I think that's probably our number one suspect of what is under Romiel, just because that makes the most sense. Now, I have seen a few versions of this theory going around, so I'm going to kind of combine a few theories all in one. What if Annalius was buried under Ramiel? Yes, he died on top of Ramiel, but if he's buried underneath and then there's carvings with his full story. Why the Daglan were there, why he was protecting the past. We know that the blood rite has been happening for a long time, but no one knows the full story of Aenelius and exactly what happened 15,000 years ago. So what if beneath the mountain is almost like this palace of sorts? It's his. His tomb and it's the carvings on the wall of his story. It would be so fitting for this to be part of Azriel's POV story, especially given how much he dislikes the Illyrians. So it'd be almost like him learning about his past in some way. I also want to throw out we're back in Religion Watch. Because Ramiel in the Bible is one of the fallen angels who rebelled against God by mating with humans, creating offspring called Nephilim. Nephilim. That might be mispronouncing that. I apologize. Which Nephilim are giant beings who are very, very strong and they hold great, great power. This is interesting because the closest thing in Acotar to the name of Nephilim is Nephili, who is known for being small but mighty. And she has a whole other side story within Religion Watch. So I wonder if these great beings are instead stand ins for Illyrians. I could see it also very, very loosely tied to Asriel and Elaine. And then of course, symbolism for Feyre and Rhys and Nesta and Cassian. Ramiel being the stand in for the Illyrian. And then how they mated with humans, obviously the Archeron sisters being the humans that they mated with. Other than that, I'm quite stumped on how this fallen angel would tie into our story, but it's fun to speculate.
- [41:16]
Nicole
I think that was really good right there. Just speculating. Yeah. But back to the purpose of this meeting, because Eris has teeth for us. His father, Baron, the high Lord of the Autumn Court, visited the continent again last week. In hindsight, we know that this meeting was a week before Brialen will make a move with the blood, right? Coincidence? I think not. The good news Baron returned is seemingly normal and without the telltale glassy eyed aloofness signs of the Crown's influence. The bad news, Aeris was not invited to come with him and Baron has not informed him of what happened during his meeting with Briallyn. So all he can do is assume that Baron and Brialen are going to make moves against their foes soon. All Eris and her crew can do right now is wait for Nesta to find the harp. Oh about that.
- [42:03]
Lexi
Whoops. These two realize one moment too late that they never told Eris that they have two trove objects. And by being all surprised and confused by the statement of his, they totally just gave it away. That they have two trove objects does not really sit well with our boy Eris. Remember, having one cauldron made item is enough to make someone High King and ruler of this entire land. The Night Court now has two Dread Trove objects. And then, of course, two cauldron made swords that Eris doesn't know about. Yes, Eris has the Nesta made capital M, dagger. But we're going to put that off to the side for right now, because four against one is still quite the power play, because literally, with this amount of power, the Night Court could take everyone off the map in seconds.
- [42:53]
Nicole
Or overtake everyone. He's not far off the mark from Amren's argument for Rhys to become High King. And that was before they had access to two trove items.
- [43:04]
Lexi
And naturally, this doesn't feel quite right. Eris starts wondering if the Night Court has been twice twiddling their thumbs on purpose with Briallyn, because they're trying to learn the secrets of the Trove, especially when they also have Nesta and all of her powers to go along with it, which Eris only knows the surface of those powers. For the. For starters, not to side with Eris again. I guess I'm becoming quite the Eris sympathizer. I am with Eris here on this, though. He is working his butt off every single day so he doesn't get offed by his father for working behind his back. And the Night Court is like, surprise. We have these two objects and we didn't tell you about it. And we've also been silent for weeks now and we're not doing shit. Also, not only could they ruin all of Eris's plans of him being High Lord of Autumn and helping all of Autumn's people. As a result, the Night Court could literally take all of the High Lords out of commission with this power. So this goal that Eris is working endlessly towards, it might be a moot point based off of what the Night Court might sneakily be doing behind his back. Obviously they're not, but I'm with Eris. Of course he's uncomfy.
- [44:10]
Nicole
This does feel very old. Night Court ways. When they donned their masks as the secretive, cunning bad guys at the High Lord's meeting, the Inner Circle came as themselves. At Feyre's request, they took off their Masks and focused on building trust with honesty and transparency. I'm going to ignore the fact that the two of them attacked Eris and Baron at this meeting. Moving on, Cassian's back to putting the cunning and secretive Mask mask on where they want others, including their allies, to be a little scared of them. In other words, he's playing the role of the courtier. So we have to ask, does the Night Court being in possession of the Dread Trove have potential consequences for what happens next in the series? Technically, the Dread Trove answers to Nesta, so she's the one who can wield their power and she's ultimately the one in possession of them. While I don't think she would use them to gain power and control over Pertheon, like what Eris is scared of here, having this kind of power and authority is more supporting evidence to her becoming either High Queen or at least High lady of the resurrected 8th court. We've talked about that endlessly. But we also cannot forget about Kosh Jay. It's actually been a few episodes since we mentioned him as the next big bad villain. I think he will target the Night Court, specifically Nesta, and attempt to take the Dread Trove so he can free himself from the lake.
- [45:24]
Lexi
That checks out. That would be motivation enough for this big bad villain. I do want to give Cassie in this. Homeboy has grown so much as a courtier and really learning how to play this cunning game. When Eris is completely kerfuffled by this news, Cassian doesn't so much as shift his feet. Instead he stays fully in control. He's telling Eris that he can't be foolish enough to think that they would tell him all of their Night Court Muahaha plans. He says this with the perfect amount of boredom and cruelty. He's learning. This is exciting. And even going as far to use Eris's tricks against him. He doesn't rise to the bait when Eris tries to juggle the Nesta angle and make Cassian jealous. And he also uses Eris's wording of brutes against him. He says, quote, leave the heroics to the brutes. Which by using that one word that used to be such an easy trigger word for Eris to use against Cassian. He's saying, haha, I'm going to use it before you do so I'm going to get ahead of you. However, with all of this said, I will say this. We know that Briallyn captures Eris later using his own soldiers who he is trying to help and Thus gets put under the Crown's influence. I wonder if because of Cassian's aloofness and wearing the mask here, and how much this shocks and unnerves Eris, it caused him to act more irrationally around the people that he knows are under the Crown's influence. And thus Cassian ended up needing to go save his ass on the continent. Even though this was always Briallyn's intention to get Nesta and yada, yada, yada, there's definitely a little bit of karma here. Also, Cassian taking on the role of courtier gives Nesta quite some ideas in the bedroom. Cassian too. And I'm a little sad we never get to see these play out on the big page, but whatever. However, I can piece it together. Based off the 600 other sex scenes.
- [47:17]
Nicole
That we got in the early episodes of our Silver Flames coverage, we discussed how both Cassian and Nesta started as beginners in their different roles. Nesta started training to become a warrior, and look what she's achieved now. Valkyrie status and qualified for the Illyrian warrior blood. Right then we have Cassian, who started playing courtier with Lucian, Vassa, Durian and Eris. Remember how clumsy he was at first and how. How awkward and worried he was? Well, just like Nesta has truly stepped into becoming a warrior, so has Cassian. As a courtier, he has learned from the best, channeling his inner Nesta and Rhys. And in parallel to Nest his achievements, he stepped into his role as a courtier. As much as Eris deserves, Cassian dishing it right back to him. I have to say, I do feel kind of bad for him when Nesta toys with him. Does he deserve it after everything he said to hurt Cassian? Yes, and that is why Nesta is going with this. At the same time, I really do believe Eris's proposal was sincere. As again, we talked about a lot last episode. He's not sad about his affection getting rejected, because we're definitely thinking it was all political moves and it wasn't genuine affectionate love in the first place. But he does feel played like a fool with the Night Court and Nesta, and she's just kind of tossing it in his face. Again, deserved after what he's done to Cassian. And this is his mate's payback. Which, by the way, I'm guessing Eris can't smell their mating bond on either of them. Shouldn't he be able to?
- [48:37]
Lexi
I mean, I. I guess that maybe they glamoured themselves before they went over.
- [48:42]
Nicole
How do either of them have the ability.
- [48:44]
Lexi
I'm. I'm good. Cauldron, boil me. I'm grasping at straws here. I also want to point out that the entire reason for Nesta dancing with Eris at the ball was so that they knew that Eris would feel comfortable on their side as oh my God, you're right. So why now they that work is down the drain like that. I'll just went cauldron, boil me.
- [49:06]
Nicole
God damn it. Cauldron, boil me.
- [49:08]
Lexi
Before we move on, we do want to take a quick moment and let you know that this show is sponsored by Better help. For all those cauldron boil me moments when you just want to shake your fist at the air. Therapy is here to help. Specifically around this time in the holidays when things are crazy. You always think, think the holidays are going to be so cozy and relaxing, and then you end up running around like a chicken with your head cut off and wondering what you're going to get your niece and nephew for Christmas. But therapy is a great way to bring yourself some comfort that never goes away, even as the seasons change.
- [49:40]
Nicole
I have my next therapy session tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to it. It's such a safe and comforting space where I kind of feel like my shoulders are always up near my ears. And after every therapy session, they're just like released a little bit, you know, and it's like, okay. Like, I feel like it's a nice little reset and it's so wonderful. If you're thinking of starting therapy too, give better help a try. It's entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and you can always switch therapists at any time for no additional charge.
- [50:11]
Lexi
Find comfort this December with better help. Visit betterhelp.com FFG today and get 10 off your your first month. That's betterhelp h lp.com FFG these two lovebirds fly for hours, happy to be alone and soaring amongst the skies. So much so that by the time the Valaris lights come back into view, Nest is almost Sorry to be back. I love this little detail because it really shows just how comfortable they are with each other. I know one thing that right before Brett and I moved in together, something I was like, so incredibly excited for were the moments of, like, being on the couch or being in bed together in complete silence. It's just that feeling of being at peace in the most mundane things. Like, it just. It's just sometimes the best And I love that these two are finding that so easily. But they arrive in Velaris and decide to walk a little bit Cassian interlacing their fingers. Oh, this is so different for these two. They're not in their own little world up in the House of Wind. They are where the people are. They're Ariel.
- [51:11]
Nicole
Which in and of itself is a little nerve wracking for Nesta because she's not accustomed to being back in Volaris. This is notable because it's a little bit of a trigger. Now. There's a lot of other components here, but being in Valaris right now is going to send her a little bit spiraling.
- [51:26]
Lexi
Yeah. And it's also showing PDA for the first time, really, with these two. Which again, Cassian is 100% physical touch. Absolute language like that is so sweet. They're declaring to Valaris like, hey, listen, we're together. We already know that this was no longer just fucking, but. But now this is like the hard launch of Nesta and Cassian together. And Cassian is ready to declare it to the world. It's really sweet. But Nesta wonders if it undermines her image as a warrior to be seen so lovey dovey with a partner. Oh, the double standard.
- [52:00]
Nicole
I do get it from Nessa's pov, although I absolutely agree with you. Nesta is steadfast in her independence and proving herself as a warrior and she doesn't want to lose that whatsoever.
- [52:10]
Lexi
Which Cassian does fight back and says it doesn't matter when Rhys and Feyre are seen together, it doesn't undermine them as warriors, so why should it matter with us? Oh, and then Nesta comes back with the spark that sets off the fire. It's because they're mates.
- [52:25]
Nicole
And here we go. Cassian's expression is empty when he responds. And we're not. Nesta's silence is enough answer for him. She can't deny it. But she. She also can't admit it. Time's up on this limbo they've been in. Or rather she's been in. This is the first time these two have brought up the concept of mates and it's been three and a half months since winter solstice. Despite the fact that their mates hasn't come up once. We've seen it all over the pages in this couple's interactions and in montages. Like when Nestor describes the difference between love making and fucking and how she can never get enough and little nods to how he is home for her. His voice is her favorite melody. We Readers know because we've already been through this shift with Feyre and Rhys from acomaf. But why hasn't it come up until now? Nesta knows in her bones that they are mates, but she refuses to acknowledge it to herself or to Cassian. Even in this exchange, her body is telling her that it knows she knows, but she can't admit it to herself. Despite knowing what he's about to say and bringing into existence to make her face the truth. She knows deep down Cassian hasn't wanted to scare her off, because he knows her well enough that if she doesn't come to a conclusion and embrace it on her own, she will fight it. So he's been patient with her to come to terms with it. After all, things have been great between them lately. However, this conversation escalates when he knows it's staring her in the face and she's purposefully rejecting it. Note that she's not rejecting Cassian. She is rejecting the concept of Mace mates. But of course the two go hand in hand from Cassie's perspective. And to refuse acknowledging that they're mates translates to rejecting him as her forever partner from his perspective.
- [54:06]
Lexi
Like many things with Nesta, there's the surface level answer and then there's the deep down level answer. Her immediate reaction is telling Cassian that the word mate means nothing to her. Especially when husband and wife was all that she's known in her human life. However, then there's the deeper down and answer. She is very, very scared. Being back in Velaris, being back around people, it reminds her that at some point they will have to leave the house and return to the real world. And when she does, what is she gonna do? All that she's known in Velaris is plunging down into this dark place. And this time she's afraid she'll drag him down with her. If he's mated to her, there's this very real forever bonded. He can't leave her side. What if she goes back to being this horrible witch? And what if she goes back to being constantly drunk? What will his wonderful life become? And that thought terrifies her, so she pushes him away.
- [55:00]
Nicole
While she has healed so much, she still can't help but feel unworthy of his love and commitment. And Nest is so scared of dragging him down. Like you were saying, if she falls back to her rock bottom. What's more, Nesta is still learning this new life of being Fae. She was turned Fae against her will, and that loss of control over her body was deeply traumatic. Despite moving forward with her life and embracing the future. That trauma doesn't just go away. Mates is one of the most Fae concepts. And to attach herself to that makes her feel like she's lost all sense of her old life, of her humanity. Like she throws in Cassie's face with that one word mate. She is no longer human in any way. She's one of them. And while she's come to terms with that, for the most part, Nesta needs control. And this mating bond feels out of control for her. Even though she has chosen Cassian. But by refusing to acknowledge it, she is able to hold on to that last little bit of control over her humanity. After being thrust against her will into this body and world. Cassian, however, hears that she didn't have a choice to be mated to him specifically. His own insecurities are bubbling up to the surface. He doesn't take this as Nesta not being comfortable with the word mate like I think he originally thought and why he didn't bring it up for months. He takes this as a rejection of him. And when she says that she didn't have a choice, he takes it as she did not have a choice in being with him. Oh dear. Makes Cassie and snap and say back that he didn't have a choice in being shackled to her either. Now I know my number one book boyfriend did not truly mean the word shackled. But bad choice. Bad word choice. And he writes it. He will know it. He loves Nesta and chooses to stand by her side. He has proved this time and time again. And yet he's got his own insecurities. And Nesta is just fanning the flames right now with this rejection of him again as he perceives it. He's lashing out defensively. And he is terrified that he is not enough for her. That he's not capable of winning her love or breaking away from his own feelings toward her. This is an unbreakable soul deep bond between them that they created together on winter solstice. And there is a literal biological connection between them that she is refusing to acknowledge. Not because she doesn't want to, but because she's scared. Yeah, my boy's emotionally exhausted. Cassian has snapped a few other times in this book. But that's just a few times over the course of months when otherwise he is Nesta's most steadfast supporter and cheerleader. He has been fighting for Nesta to see her own worth and to accept love. When she denies their mating bond out right here, it feels like a culmination of all his fears that no matter what he does, it will never be enough to get through to her. His harsh word about being shackled to her is not about him regretting their bond, but about his frustration at feeling powerless in this dynamic. Bottom line, he says something hurtful because he feels hurt. And to his credit, in this tough look moment, he immediately regrets his word choice and tries to take it back. But the damage is done and the word shackled will ring through Nesta's head.
- [57:59]
Lexi
Like, I want to think about all the times that you've been in a moment of whether it's a heated discussion with a parent, a partner, a friend, a stranger on customer service. I don't know. Like, you say things that you don't mean because of the version of the story that you are seeing play out. And I agree with you entirely. Cassie immediately recognizes is, oh, that was not. That's not right. And sometimes it takes people a minute to have that oh, that wasn't right moment. This is so I. I say human. I know he's Faye, but like, this is so part of the human experience. Yeah, it's an L, but it's an L that I understand. Old habits immediately want to come to the surface for Nesta. Sharp words, hateful words, words that she knows will immediately put Cassian back in his place and give her a big old L, making him hurt as much as that one word, shackled hurt her. But she doesn't. She will not let herself spew the venom at him. She needs a moment, though, to simmer down enough to know that she won't hurt him and have that old urge to strike him down. Which pause for a round of applause for Nesta Archeron. Yes, I realize I'm congratulating her for not lashing out on someone, but I'm more congratulating her self awareness that she now has. She recognizes the habit roiling up inside her and she says, hold on, I'm going to choose something different. She's actively fighting back and being the bigger person. That's why I'm congratulating her. I think about this like the pause rule from How I met your mother with Marshall and Lily. And honestly, Brad and I actually have that too. Anytime we're in a spat and I can feel I'll speak for myself, like, anytime. I can feel myself getting into that, like, tunnel vision where I probably will not be able to solve things effectively. Brett and I will make a T motion with our hands, like in a really big one at that. And it basically means we have 60 seconds to get ourselves in a place and create a plan to revisit this on a later date. And then we will go our separate ways for a moment and simmer down. And it's worked really well.
- [59:56]
Nicole
Jake and I similarly know when we need to pause because we want to productively communicate. And sometimes we're just not in the right emotional state of mind. I think that's for any relationship, whether it's a partner or a parent or friendships or something. Sometimes effective communication is taking a step back to gather our own thoughts and calm down before the situation escalates too much. Which, yes, is exactly what Nesta is doing here. Good for you, girl.
- [60:21]
Lexi
So instead of calling a tea or a timeout or a pause, Nesta calls in her favor.
- [60:27]
Nicole
Quote, I want you to leave. Go up to the House of Wind for the night. Do not speak to me until I come talk to you or a week has passed, whichever comes first. I don't care.
- [60:37]
Lexi
And at first, Cassian real, he hates this. He hates this a lot. He's trying to fight back, but his back is arching and he's wincing as though his body is trying to punish him for trying to break the bargain. Remember, with Fae bargains, if you break them, there are magical consequences. And Nesta is cauldron made. When this bargain was forged, there was some extra oomph behind it. Some bad shit would go down if he broke this bargain. So without any other option except for magical consequences, Cassian leaps into the skies and heads to the house. All the while figuring out how to get around this wording of calling in her favor. He will wait until the one required night has passed. Then at dawn he will go to Rhys and have him winnow him to her to get her to say one word. And then he will be able to speak freely. And then he's going to apologize and. And make the declaration he, quote, still needed to make all of it. Cassian, I want to hear this declaration. We never get it.
- [61:32]
Nicole
I bet you there's an I love you mixed in there somewhere. And that's where his I love you is in the book.
- [61:36]
Lexi
Yep.
- [61:37]
Nicole
He never had the chance.
- [61:38]
Lexi
It's fan fiction. It's canon in my head.
- [61:41]
Nicole
More winnows. Nesta to Emery. And she barely makes it a step into her friend's shop before she collapses and cries. Oh, my heart hurts for Nesta. Though through her tears she explains what happened as her friend comforts her. Nesta sent Cassie into the House of Wind for the night, so she didn't want to return there and this is her safe space because it is with her found sister. She has opened her heart to Emory as well as Gwen and trusts her when she's emotionally vulnerable. She knows she doesn't have to face these challenges in life alone. And I love how Nesta seeks comfort in her found sisters.
- [62:13]
Lexi
I want to give more some major props here because she winnows Nesta to Ed Emery's and then immediately turns around, goes gets Gwen and brings her to Nesta too. This is twice now that Mor has helped a female in the inner circle, or inner circle adjacent escape after something with finding out about the mating bond. Because the first time she helped Feyre get to the cabin retreat to hide after Rhys didn't spill the tea, the cereal spilled the tea to her about the mating bond. So well done. More especially given that her and Nesta's relationship is nowhere near that of Feyre and Mors. I will say more did share with Cassian where Nesta's whereabouts are rather than keeping her lips shut like she did with Rhys. But that makes sense.
- [62:56]
Nicole
It does. And part of it is. And I hate to say this, but for all they know, Nesta could have gone back into Valaris and gone to a tavern or something like that. Like she is so scared of slipping back into her rock bottom and that easily could have been an option for her.
- [63:10]
Lexi
True.
- [63:10]
Nicole
And she me too. Me too. Soon after Nesta breaks down to Emery, Gwen arrives, which is quite the surprise because this is the first time Gwen has left the House of Wind property since her trauma. Quote. Some things are more important than fear. Gwen's love for Nesta and being there for her sister trumps her fear. Like her determination to complete the obstacle course trumped her discomfort with the Illyrian male observers. And just like her inner strength and perseverance will trump her fear of reaching the top of Romiel, soon Nesta is surrounded by her two best friends who have become her confidants, her sisters, her found family. And all that ultimately matters is that they have each other right now.
- [63:47]
Lexi
That night, this chosen family trio talks about everything and nothing. I love this little detail. These two friends aren't getting Nesta to open up about her fight with Cassian. Instead, they're talking about their latest books. They're giving belated so stiff gifts. They're eating dessert. They're drinking hot cocoa. And slowly this coaxes Nesta down from her anger at Cassian and their fight. And as she gets ready for bed, she decides she's going to talk to him tomorrow, where she'll explain everything. Why she's afraid of the step into the unknown and the life that lays beyond it. Where she'll apologize for sending him away via the bargain. And she'll accept that she can indeed take this future that they have together one day at a time. Quote, tomorrow she tell Cassian everything. Tomorrow her life will begin. Which, by the way, I also take this to mean I'll tell him I love you tomorrow.
- [64:33]
Nicole
Yes, definitely. And accept the mating bond fully to begin their intertwined life as a couple together.
- [64:39]
Lexi
However, fate has other plans. Brielle and I guess has other plans because late that night, male scents fill the room. Not since she knows, but instead scents that are filled with hate. Waking up immediately, she starts to fight back and notably fumbling for her power first and then attempting to go to a knife next to her bed. She does manage to shove the bed across the room and slice into one of them. Based on the puddle of male scented blood on the floor that Cassian finds, however, no dice. Something cold presses to her face and she is knocked out.
- [65:15]
Nicole
Nesta, Emory and Gwen are winnowed away to participate in the blood rite. That's not good. That's not good at all. Friends, no female has ever been involved in it before. And it seems strange the Illyrian war leaders have had a change of heart just because the females completed the qualifier right. Well, like most things, turns out Briellen is behind the females getting thrust into the right. The original plan was for Emery to be the one taken into the right because Brielle and knew Nesta would go in after her friend to save her, law or no law. And the main goal was to get Nesta into the blood rite, where her magic will be void and she can be worn down enough for Brielle and to overtake her her. But Nesta made it easy for Brielle and his plan. She was already at Emery's along with Gwen too. So Briallen let them all be whisked away. As an amusing bonus, Devon will confirm everything to Rhys and that the blood right has begun at midnight. I can't help but ask who besides Belleus was put under the Crown's influence to take all three females? There must have been more scouts who were taken by Brialen on the continent, including those who aren't participating and have the ability to take the females. Because Bellius is sir, not taking them because he's supposed to be going to the right as a participant as well. And she would have to have other Illyrians who are not Participating in the right to put the weapons there in the first place. Probably. Unless it was bellies.
- [66:30]
Lexi
But anyway, I definitely think, obviously the three plus males who took the three females. I wonder Devlin, do you think? No, because Devlin talked to Reese, so I doubt it.
- [66:39]
Nicole
I agree. Yeah. I don't think Devlin. He also never specifically confirmed that the three females were taken into it. On the page it says he confirmed everything and that the blood right is starting at midnight. So I don't know if everything includes the females. That might have been the inner circle's assumption.
- [66:56]
Lexi
I think it includes the females, but I could be wrong. But then in that case, it's like, what more does he know?
- [67:01]
Nicole
Exactly.
- [67:02]
Lexi
Cassian is not happy about this and he's terrified for his mate and friends. I love that he calls him his. His friends and not just Nesta's. Cassian, yes, is afraid about the battle that they'll be facing as part of the blood rite, but they also did pass the qualifier. He knows that they have been trained by the best. They can hold their own. But recall what he mentioned earlier in this book about being terrified around more going into the blood rite. If she had gone in, it's not because she wouldn't make it out. In fact, she'd probably win the whole damn thing. Quote, the unspoken part of his reasoning lay cold in his eyes. There would be a different, worse kind of violence to defend against, even if the females were as highly trained as the males. Without saying it outright, this is the reason that Cassian is petrified for Gwen Emery and of course his mate. Especially knowing that like Rhys, Asriel and Cassian, the three trio, the three Valkyries, they are most likely separated in the. I keep wanting to say Arena. I'm gonna call it arena in the Arena. I've been reading a lot of Hunger Games recently.
- [68:00]
Nicole
Well, speaking of reading a lot recently, Nicole, I get so overwhelmed when trying to decide on my next ready read. I mean, we all know there's a whole lot of books out there, but guess what? Book of the Month takes the overwhelm out of choosing your next read.
- [68:12]
Lexi
Book of the Month is more than just a subscription service. They make it their mission to help readers discover new books that they will love and promote the work of emerging authors. Yes, every month they present a selection of the best new titles I recently picked out. I'm on a little bit of like a Christmas romance kick right now. So I picked out Most Wonderful from their December picks, and I'm so excited to dive in and read it for the holidays. Especially we don't have a book club book right now, so I'm really enjoying just like reading like you know, nice little cozy books. And the best part is that they offer these amazing books at fabulous prices and shipping is always free. Plus if you're in their loyalty program, it's just the cherry on top offering you even better deals the longer you stick around.
- [68:55]
Nicole
With the holidays just around the corner, this is the perfect time to treat yourself to to a subscription or get the gift for your friends and family who does not love the gift of books and all new members will receive a fun holiday themed sticker sheet when they join. Right now you can head over to bookofthemonth.com and snag your first book for a mere $5 using the code Tencel. It's such a good deal we cannot recommend Book of the Month enough. It's not just about receiving books, it's about the joy of discovery. That's Book of the Month dot com. And then use code Tinsel T I n sel and get your first book for only $5.
- [69:30]
Lexi
Make sure to let Book of the Month know that you were sent by fantasy fangirls under podcasts in the survey after picking up your book all right.
- [69:37]
Nicole
Friends, we are finally at the fourth and final part of Silver Flames. Part four is titled Anaraxia. I'm so excited. We've already gone through the three rings of becoming a Valkyrie, which is what makes this part four, Ataraxia extra special. Nesta has achieved Valkyrie status, but she's not done with her journey. We discussed the meaning behind ataraxia in episode 7, with it translating to inner peace in the old Fae language, and how this great sword truly represents Nesta. She is both a deadly weapon and seeking her own inner peace. In this section she achieves that with her defeat of Brialen, acceptance of Cassian as her mate, and declaration of love for her dying sister Feyre. She actually won't even have her magic sword Ataraxia for her showdown with Belius during the right but she still embodies the meaning behind it as she stays strong in the face of danger. And that's what this part's title reflects. Nesta finding both inner peace and truly stepping into her own as a real warrior who survived the blood rite and faced her own internal demons.
- [70:37]
Lexi
I think about that moment when she's going down the stairs as she's still mind stealing even in, you know, intense circumstances. This is what inner peace means to me. It's like it's the inner peace Even when the world feels like it's on fire. And that's just what a wow. What a beautiful thing.
- [70:52]
Nicole
Well, and also when she does have that showdown with bellies, all she can think is how her friends are safe and how she will do this to save her friends. And there's almost this inner acceptance and this inner peace with her life.
- [71:04]
Lexi
Yeah. Oh. Nesta wakes up the next day and Wolf, she's not doing so hot. Feeling like she had sand poured into her mouth and her head is completely pounding. She realizes that something is very, very, very wrong. Knocked out Illyrian males are everywhere. At least 200 of them surrounding her. So that gives us an idea to how many people are in the blood. Right? There's three dumping grounds. And if there's about 200 people at each of them, there's 600 warriors to fight against for a whole week. That's a lot. That makes the Hunger Games look like. Like chump change.
- [71:37]
Nicole
That's crazy because I've always just thought it was a few hundred like we were earlier. Yeah. And in fact, I bet the last few years there have been more participants as the Illyrians need to build up their forces again after the war when they lost so many warriors.
- [71:50]
Lexi
Now, even though the Blood Right has been foreshadowed this entire book, and I'll actually even argue in Frost and Starlight as well from the qualifier from the Blood Right talk throughout this entire series, Bellius being an asshat, the small survival hints that Cassian has been giving to her. This, with all of that even said, this is still a very oh shit moment because of how their circumstances are in here. It couldn't be worse. They're separated. They're not in armor, they're in night dresses. They have no shoes on. She has no magic to go to. However, thank goodness Nesta at least gets a head start because she wakes up before the others around her. She wonders if this is actually because she's made. But later Gwen admits that she also woke up early, but Emery did not. So they conclude that it's because they're High Fae and they're not Illyrian, however, have a crack theory and it's that I personally wonder if Nesta actually did wake up early because she is maid and Gwen woke up early because she's partly not High Fae. Cough, Cough. Light singer. Cod cough. Listen to our episode five of our acoustic coverage. For that full theory breakdown.
- [72:52]
Nicole
I'm going with the magic supposed to be for Illyrians and it isn't as potent for other Kinds of fate. I really do like to take things at face value, don't I?
- [73:00]
Lexi
You really do. You know what? That's why I like us.
- [73:03]
Nicole
But. Oh, what's this? A knife is embedded in a tree trunk. Weapons aren't supposed to be in the right. That's part of the point of it. That these novice warriors have to make their own weapons and come in with nothing but the clothes on their back. In hindsight, we know that Brially Allen is responsible for the presence of these weapons. She knew the right would be much more entertaining with weapons. We know she has been planning to face off with Nestor herself when she captures Cassian. So is the addition of the weapons just to cause chaos? It's actually probably to wear Nesta down even more with the unexpected additional danger of weapons to avoid. I don't know. I think that she just loves to cause chaos.
- [73:38]
Lexi
I think she's definitely a chaos gremlin. I also wonder if for plot purposes, it would have taken a lot of extra time to mention. Okay, well, she goes, goes to this and she gets a rock. Because like Nesta doesn't know how to do that. She's never been camping. Except for the one time she went with Cassie and she was kind of out of it for the most part. I'm leaning more into. That was a plaque structuring idea. Like she needed to have at least something that Nesta could grab onto rather than just like a rock that maybe looks pointy. So. However, wouldn't there be a high, high, high possibility that Nesta would get offed by someone else and not Brialen? Yes, I guess that would just kind of be like a. Oh, well, guess it happened a little earlier than I expected.
- [74:18]
Nicole
Well, no, because she needs Nesta for the magic and the trove and all of that kind of stuff. So she's not trying to kill Nesta, she's trying to overtake her. And she also told Bellas and I assume some of the other Illyrians not to kill Nesta. But she's like, ah, the wording wasn't very good. We will talk all about that when we get to Briellen's monologue because we have to parse through that.
- [74:39]
Lexi
Nesta is not the only one who, who's noticed these weapons presence. In addition to us, there's also another male who has his eye on them. She knows that with his size, he could easily take her instantly without even a knife. So obtaining the weapon is really her only chance of having a fighting shot at winning this. So Nesta Runs for it, which pause because huzzah moment for Nesta. Nesta previously has seized up with fear at these types of battles. The kelpie, the beginning of lanthus. And if she didn't seize up, she almost had to like talk herself into acting. This is one of the first times in combat. I'm gonna put the King of Hybrn aside because that one I. We weren't also in our head at that point, so I don't. We don't really know what was going on. This is one of the first times in combat that she doesn't really think before she just acts. It's this muscle memory of training kicking in. Using the exercises from training with muscle memory kicking in. The two of them go down, down, tumbling down the hill. Kill. But what's this? She ends up clenching the dagger. Huzzah. But it is buried in his throat. So first tribute down.
- [75:44]
Nicole
This reminds me of Nesta's thought process back in chapter 62, when she considers how the blood rite is a final test for these Illyrian warriors. Training is one thing, but actually killing is a whole other. And the rite serves as a contained area where these novice warriors must, must face this final test. While this is certainly not Nesta's first time killing someone, she is now putting her whole training into practice in new ways. We'll talk about this more next episode, but I want to quickly address how Nesta is able to go up against these Illyrian males and win. Because yes, the males have been training most of their lives, and readers have understandably complained that it's a little unrealistic Nesta is this good of a fighter. I would, however, like to challenge his complaint by pointing out out who trained Nesta. The living legend, Cassian, my boyfriend, who has been her personal mentor for more than six months now. And not only that, Nesta has been training as a Valkyrie too. And they've completed multiple tests to prove their skill with weapon and body. She may not have a few decades of training under her belt, but this is a book about female empowerment and perseverance. I'll save the rest of my argument for their badassery next episode. I might might go off on it a little bit.
- [76:53]
Lexi
It's like getting trained in college basketball by a college coach versus getting trained by LeBron James himself. Like, there is a massive difference between that and I would argue that you would be a much better basketball player if you were trained by absolute legends. After taking a moment to still her mind after her first kill, she changes into this Illyrian male's clothes. And she knew that there's only one thing for her to do. Go and find her friends.
- [77:21]
Nicole
Oh, I can't wait to dive into all that next week. But back to Cassian, who is still at Emory's house. And now with the rest of the inner circle present, understandably, he is not doing so hot knowing his meat is in the blood. Right? I'm not saying this to blame my poor Cassian, but he definitely feels a sense of responsibility that this happened because they had the Illyrian camp Lords witness the females complete the Blood Right qualifier. And he feels like this, this is a vengeance against him personally. Which, honestly, even though Briellen is in the mix, and I was talking earlier about how she did ensure that all three of the females came in. I could actually see Devlin and all of them doing that. So maybe it was a little bit of both.
- [77:58]
Lexi
Yeah, maybe she didn't have to use the crown to convince them to get the females into the qualifier. Like I could see that. Or maybe she used Bellious to convince them to put that. I can buy a lot easier.
- [78:10]
Nicole
You know what would be really easy? If Rhys just looked into Devlin's mind and then gave us the whole story. But the laws of the Blood Rite state that Cassian cannot intervene. No one can intervene. Anyone who pulls a warrior from the Blood Right will be hunted down and executed. As well as a warrior who is dishonorably removed from the right. Not even Rhys can break the rules. Bottom line, there is nothing any of them can do that will not damn them all. So all they can do is wait for the week to end and hope the three females stay alive. I've also wondered if there is magic at play with this law, if not even Rhys can do anything, or if it is so ingrained in Illyrian culture where leaders like Devlin will make sure that the executions are followed through Rhys or no Reese. Honestly, it might even be a little bit of both. Though I am still convinced Azriel figured out his own clever loophole way to get rid of the problem Causer back from Frost and Starlight. What about. Yeah, that.
- [79:03]
Lexi
That's a good point.
- [79:05]
Nicole
I think that there was a loophole regarding that. Not like him actually going in and infiltrating.
- [79:10]
Lexi
I think the loophole was he had some sneaky shit where really I could see him having gone in and infiltrated and offing Catelyn. I do think it's notable that Rhys has Cassian say this out loud. Rhys knows that his friend is very lost to fear and anger and to understand what the hell anyone else in this room is even saying or to let it even sink in. So he knows that maybe making Cassian say we cannot go into the blood. Right. It will allow this to finally. I'll say. I'm not going to say click, but make it really real.
- [79:42]
Nicole
Oh, yeah.
- [79:43]
Lexi
Can't go in. Also, I'm just gonna say this once. Feyre is way too calm. Her sister was taken into the blood rite when Elain was taken. She was so determined to do anything to save her from Hybern's camp, which was way scarier. There is no way she is this calm. And Cassie is the only one panicking. Yes, Lexi.
- [80:06]
Nicole
I think it's a twofold one. Nesta has been training with Cassian for months, so she's not as defenseless as Elaine was. Plus, the blood rite is bad, but it's also not the King of Hybern.
- [80:19]
Lexi
True.
- [80:19]
Nicole
A bunch of Illyrian warriors and the beasts are scary, I will not deny that. But it's not quite on the same level as the King of Hybern and all the torture and stuff like that that he would do and all of the really scary magic that was involved with him. And I also do think that Feyre is probably staying so calm because she doesn't want to cause the baby distress. Remember when she found out that she was going to die?
- [80:40]
Lexi
It doesn't feel like Feyre. That is all I will say. It doesn't.
- [80:43]
Nicole
Oh, I agree with that. Yes. I am bringing up these points and her character is very two dimensional, as we've discussed. And also, friends, I know that we're really harping on this episode when it comes to the plot stuff. At the very beginning of our coverage here of Silver Flames, Nicole and I were saying that the character development is our absolute favorite, but the plot is lacking. And I'll be honest, as we've been deep diving this book, I've actually been really impressed with the plot that we've gotten so far. I've really enjoyed it. And I do think that it's this part here, not them being in the blood. Right. I love how the three females are in the blood. Right. It is everything else kind of around that that we are really poking holes in here. And that is is not our favorite part about this book. So please do know we love this book. You all know we do. And this is the part that we do struggle with a little bit when it comes to Cassian's side of the final part. Of this book.
- [81:32]
Lexi
Yes. Perfectly said. Yes.
- [81:35]
Nicole
I love the blood right part, though.
- [81:36]
Lexi
I love it.
- [81:37]
Nicole
Yes. I can't wait for next episode.
- [81:39]
Lexi
I honestly wish we'd gotten more of it. Like, I wish, like, it was a little bit longer. The blood right part.
- [81:44]
Nicole
I just did not need the whole Cassian side quest. I understand. But yeah, we will talk about that next episode. Anyway, I just want to clear the air with all of that. If you're like, oh, my gosh, fantasy fangirls, what is going on with you today? Anyway, I will say one piece of evidence against the Asriel and Quid ship here. Azriel is showing no signs of anguish that Gwen has been taken. If they are mates, which I think they might be endgame, but maybe not actually mates. Just because you end up together with someone does not mean that you're mates. Then I feel like Azrael would have that primal male instinct to protect her. Her. On the flip side, he's really good at keeping a poker face, so maybe that's what he's doing. I don't know. But still, he was willing to interfere with the blood, right last year, and it was Cassian who reminded him about the Laws. Instead, Azra will be the one trying to keep Cassian calm by reminding him that they train the females.
- [82:33]
Lexi
We cannot have our male main character just sit around while Nesta goes into the Hunger Games. Right? I would argue they can, but that's not what this part is for. Because it turns out that Eris has gotten himself into a heap of trouble. He's been captured by Briellen. Yes, Remember her? That person that they've been doing nothing about. And they've just been waiting around because Azriel can't go near her and risk getting put under the Crown's influence. Well, Aerys was out hunting with his hounds one day, and his remaining soldiers, who are under the Crown's control, captured him and winnowed back. Back to the place on the continent. This is probably using Kosche's power.
- [83:13]
Nicole
We'll find out from Briallyn that Eris was trying to help his soldiers under the Crown's influence, but they surrounded him and easily captured him. That does go to show how much Aerys doesn't want to hurt his own men or even leave them in Briallyn's control. He tried to save them unsuccessfully.
- [83:29]
Lexi
But still, it really goes back to how he will be as a High Lord. Like, I just. That makes me so happy. But because Eris has been captured by Briallyn and put under the Influence. Cassian and Azriel have to go get him out. What the fuck? They have spent months doing diddly squat because they can't go near Briallyn, but because now they're like, well, there's two of us and we'll just stay out of rage. Like, why weren't you doing that before? I.
- [84:03]
Nicole
Because they did not have the big risk of Eris before.
- [84:08]
Lexi
It's. Oh, I'm gonna get to that. I will say it's moments like this where I'm like, I get why Hybern was always a few steps ahead of him. Why do they need to go get Eris, though? Because Asriel and Cassian hate this guy. Can't he just go rot? Not exactly. Eris knows that they have two items of the dread Trove trove. And if he's under the Crown's influence, he can reveal the secrets that the Night Court has. The Dread Trove, which Brielle and already knows this. And actually, I'd argue Brielle knows more than Eris.
- [84:40]
Nicole
While that's a good point, they don't know that Brielle knows that they already have two dread trove objects.
- [84:49]
Lexi
Like, they don't know that we think they know we know they know.
- [84:52]
Nicole
Exactly. Nesta might have known that there was this bridge between her and Brialen when she got the harp, but I don't think that she knew the full extent of the download that Briallyn got that she was informed right then and there that they do have those two objects. So as far as the Night Court knows, Brialen does not know that they have two Dread Trove items. They are hoping that the maid dagger they gifted Eris will grant him immunity from the Crown's influence. Since the dagger is made, they hope that it will shield him from being influenced by another made object. But this has not been proven. And for all they know, the dagger might respond to Briallyn. Yeah, this was one of their main reasons they gave the dagger to Eris in the first place. To fight against this otherworldly magic. But it's fine. As we'll find out from Briallyn's evil villain monologue, she is using Eris to lure Cassian close enough to be ensnared by the Crown's influence. They're falling right into her plan.
- [85:46]
Lexi
Yes, they are. And I repeat my earlier statement. I understand why Hybern was always two steps ahead with shit like this being pulled. Oh. As Cassian, who is irate with having to go help Eris of all people, while his mate is in the blood. Right. Cassian points out. Rhys, just come on. Just come with us. We'll be in and out in an hour if you come. But Rhys can't risk it. And it's confession time for the High Lord and lady. Because remember that romantic bargain they made at the end of Acowor to leave the this world together? It means that if Rhys goes and dies, Feyre will drop dead, which means the baby will as well. But, oh, we're doing some mental math here. Because of Feyre dies in childbirth, then so does Rhysand, which is extremely likely.
- [86:32]
Nicole
As much as they all hate it.
- [86:34]
Lexi
Yes.
- [86:35]
Nicole
So while the rest of the Inner circle doesn't exactly have time to fully process this devastating news, there are definitely some feelings in response to this. Back when we covered this bargain In Acowar episode 11, we put ourselves in recent Thera shoes and could understand the short term reasoning behind it. Especially after what they've been through together. But now the unexpected has happened and here are the long term consequences catching up to them. Like Reese says, he never thought it'd turn out like this. I'm going to chalk his usual Ravenclaw chess moves up to mated male in love who truly can't keep living if his other half is gone. Rhys already experienced Feyre dying once, just like she did with him, and he wouldn't be able to live with himself afterward. But this was also before the baby and dangerous pregnancy was in the mix. This revelation is a bombshell that forces the Inner circle to grapple with the very real possibility of losing both their leaders. This death bargain feels like a betrayal to them because they'll be left with the consequences of losing both of them. Rhys is having to come to terms with his closest friends and family that he and Feyre did not think long term with this choice. And you bet he's going to hear about it from Amren soon enough. They'll return to Valaris and she will begin researching any way to break this bargain. But we know from Tamlin's attempts that it's not possible. And honestly, I don't think Rhys would be willing to break the bargain and leave Farah and the babe to die in childbirth. Even if he did have the option.
- [87:58]
Lexi
Exactly. Oh, what I would give to be be a fly on the wall when Amren's laying into the two of them.
- [88:05]
Nicole
Like, yeah, I get why they're so upset. Like that was a huge betrayal. Where it's like, what about us? Aren't we important too? Don't you love us too.
- [88:13]
Lexi
Well. And it's also like if Nick survives. Y'all should have told us about this sooner. Like, mentally. Paris, like, what do we need to do? So on and so.
- [88:24]
Nicole
Or Amren could have been trying to figure out a way to break break this bargain for months.
- [88:28]
Lexi
Yeah. And then they wouldn't have to, you know, deal with a whole new high lord or lady whoever gets tossed the power. Yeah. That's also the thing. They don't know who's going to get it. Like, it could be Nyx. It could also not be.
- [88:38]
Nicole
And they literally have no. Well, Nyx wouldn't survive the childbirth if Feyre dies. Most likely.
- [88:43]
Lexi
Most likely. There's, there's. There was always a small chance, but yeah.
- [88:47]
Nicole
Yeah.
- [88:47]
Lexi
So would more get it? Would cure get it? Probably not. But anyway, before we move on to foreshadowing in today's episode, we have a PSA for your hair. We love winter weather around here. Lexi specifically. But I'm going to be honest, my hair doesn't. Does not like it. But I do have this nice like winter color right now, which I'm totally vibing. It makes me so happy. The fact is that if we're not aware of our environmental changes in our day to day our hair. It sure is. And that's why we recommend Prose. One of my favorite things about Prose is it is literally made for you. Not only does it have your name on the bottle, it is like everything in the the bottle is for you. It is all crafted for you. So for instance, for mine I. I have like really brittle thin hair. So I have some volumizer, I have some softness. I get obviously color care because I have four colors in my hair now. I went a little crazy. One of the things I love is that it is an all in one shampoo conditioner. I even have a hair mask. I have hair conditioner leave in. It's my favorite. I love it so much and my name is on there.
- [89:48]
Nicole
Prose makes beauty personal with truly custom, custom formulas that could not exist without you. Each and every bottle is made to order based on an in depth consultation that covers everything from your beauty goals to the weather and water where you live. From millions of possible formulas, only one is uniquely yours. And Prose only uses naturally powerful and proven effective ingredients. Selecting from over 185 clean ingredients to target your specific concerns and goals.
- [90:12]
Lexi
Prose is so confident that you'll love your results that they're awesome. Offering listeners an exclusive trial which is 55,0% off your first hair care subscription order at prose.com fantasy fangirls that's P R O S E.com fantasy fangirls for your free consultation and 50 off your custom routine. Pros.com fantasy fangirls all right, let's turn.
- [90:40]
Nicole
Our full attention to foreshadowing, other important moments in the rest of this book, and speculation for what's next in the series.
- [90:47]
Lexi
During the obstacle course, Gwen is consistently pushing the group harder, wanting them to be the first to wipe the smirks off Cassie and Azriel's faces. Especially Azriel's. I love this foreshadowing, Gwen's determination to become Corinthian at the Blood, right. She's like, I don't want to just survive, I want to win. And then of course, that's an extra nod to her and Azriel being possibly very compatible. My second one is what? What's the fuck's up with that red star that blasts through the sky? It's speculated that it's this ill omen that's going to come to pass. Has it come to pass by the end of this book? Was this foreshadowing the moment of Feyre Nyx and dying? Was this Nesta and the Blood, right? Was it Briallyn coming to play? Or is it something completely different?
- [91:27]
Nicole
I know what it means. Dragons have hatched and are back in this world.
- [91:31]
Lexi
Well, we know that the dragon is the banner for Amarantha, so we know dragons exist somewhere.
- [91:36]
Nicole
Those are somewhere. But really, I wondered about this too. Initially I thought it appeared like right after Starfall and hinted at something from that. But I can't say any more about that unless we're in Mass first madness. But it does seem like it was a while after Starfall. Like you said, I could see it being related to Feyre. Or it's SJM planting an Easter egg for a future book. Honestly, if I was an author, I would put some really random Easter eggs in there and then connect them later on where it's like, I'll figure out what to do with this at some point.
- [92:02]
Lexi
But see, I would do that and then I'd forget. And then I'd reread my book someday and just be like, ah, I forgot about that. There's also Eris telling Nesta and Cassian that if one of them were to fall under the Crown's influence, Briallyn can turn them on each other and make them do unspeakable things. He ain't wrong. Cassian, under the Crown's influence will literally almost try to kill Nesta Womp Womp. It is time to sip some tea with the cereal. Every episode, Lexi will sit down with the cereal, Rip ip, sip some tea and walk us through a world building topic to help us better understand this world and the people in it. This has been a long time coming.
- [92:39]
Nicole
Yes, it has been. Today's surreal topic is the Blood Right. First things first. What is it? In the most basic sense, the Blood Right is an Illyrian ritual that is completed when a novice warrior wants to progress to the status of a true warrior. It lasts one week and the ones who survive it become Illyrian warriors. When, where does the Blood Rite take place? It's held every year in early spring. It always takes place when Arctos, Corinth and Orestes, the three holy stars, shine above Romiel for one week a year on the final day of the rite. These three holy stars are directly above its peak. The Blood Rite is located in the area of conifer forests and ravines around Romiel in the Illyrian mountains. Romiel is one of three sacred ancient mountains in Parthian in the heart of Illyria and the Night Court. Only Illyrians are permitted here and only once a year for the rite. This area around Romiel is closed the rest of the year to prevent novices from scouting the plays to give themselves an advantage. More on Romiel Mountain in next week's surreal Tea time. So who can participate in the Blood rite? There are varying qualifiers throughout the year to prove a novice's readiness, each slightly different depending on the camp. One must pass a qualifier to participate in the Blood rite and have the chance to reach reach Illyrian warrior status. These are the obstacle courses that the females train for to complete in this episode. Traditionally, only full blooded Illyrian males are eligible. However, Rhysand, Azriel and Cassian were allowed to perform the right despite their status as half breed ambassadors. However, the leaders did separate them during the rite to try and ensure they couldn't work together. But their brotherhood was stronger than that and they found each other to be one of the very few to win the damn thing. And this of course, in Silver Flames, Nesta, Gwyn and Emry are forced into the right. But Brialen orchestrated that, so outside influences were at play. Participants are Illyrian novice warriors who have come into their power. That means they're usually in their twenties. Would be warriors from every clan and village get sent in, usually three or four from each. Which by the way is crazy because in Akamaf when the bat boys are explaining the blood right they do say about several hundred participate. However, from our math in this episode, it's about 600, since it's about 200 per each location. So between 200 and 600 enter every year. That is a whole lot of warrior clans, if we're doing some math there. But I think this might be author math. Anyway, once an Illyrian male goes through the blood right, he is considered a full warrior and adult. All right, so now that we have all that established, let's go through how the blood rite works. The night before the blood rite, when all are in their beds, the war band leaders winnow these drugged novices into the wild. Interestingly, this is the only time Illyrians possess an ancient wild power. And it's the only night Illyrians are able to winnow. No one knows why. I wonder if there's more to that. We really don't know. A spell is in place, so novices must compete with their wings bound and rendered useless, as well as no weapons, magic or siphons. The purpose of this is to level the playing field, where they have to rely on the resourcefulness and survival. Survival skills without any advantage of magic or flying. I'm assuming the spell must be geographical because the original plan was for Nestor to go in after Emery and lose her powers, not as a formal participant where a spell was cast on her. The only supplies these participants have are the clothes on their back. They must survive exposure. The creatures of the mountains, which are absolutely terrifying beasts, natural traps, the distance they must reach, and, of course, each other. They often kill each other for food, clothes, glory or vengeance. Old feuds are played out and new ones are born. The blood right is an opportunity for scores to be settled, especially between feuding clans. The goal? Make it to the summit of Romiel Mountain by the end of one week and touch the onyx monolith. It is very rare for anyone to make it to the monolith. After a week of fighting, running, and having to find to make your own weapons and food, the climb up this mountain is worse than every horror before it. It is the true, true test of will and courage to climb when you have nothing left to climb. When your body begs you to stop, it is when the breaking usually occurs. If you are one of the very few to reach the top and touch the onyx monolith, and ancient magic winnows you back to the Illyrian camp. Cassian reflects that when he touched the onyx monolith, he felt an ancient force sing into his blood and the heartbeat before it had whisked him back to safety to Devlin's camp. And it had been worth it to feel that it is against the law for outside forces to intervene with the right. As our crew knows, if anyone takes a participant out of the right, both of them will be hunted down and executed. So basically, once you're in it, you are in it. And you better survive the week. By the end of the week, the remaining participants are giving their warrior ranks, depending on where they end up. And the titles of these warrior ranks stem from the three holy stars. The first warrior rank status is Arctosian. And those are the ones who don't make it to the battle mountain. But they do survive the week. This is most of the Illyrian warriors. Then we have Aristean. And this is the status of the ones who make it to the mountain, but they don't reach the top. Only 12 have made it to the mountain to become Aristean in the past five centuries. That is crazy, you all. And lastly, Corinthian. These are the warriors who scale the summit to touch the onyx monolith at the top. They are considered the absolute most elite warriors and they are extremely rare. Only three others besides the bat boys have won and become Corinthian in the past five centuries. And this is what Gwen and every will become too. Now, who's ready for a quick history lesson While we'll get into what we know about Romiel and its mysteries next week. It is said that no one knows who put the onyx monolith atop the mountain. Legend says that it has existed before the Night Court formed, before the Illyrians migrated from the Miradons and before humans had even walked the land. But as for the blood rite, there was once a warrior and the first of The Illyrians approximately 15,000 years ago, named Annelius, who was close friends with Fion, the High Fae who would go on to defeat the Daglan and become High King. During this great war between the Fae and the Daglan, one of the key battles was here at the base of Romiel. The Fae's forces were battered and outnumbered, with the enemy desperate to reach the stone at the top of Romiel for an unknown reason, although I can't wait to discuss theories about that next week. For days, Annelius held the ground against enemy hordes at the Pass of Romiel. He found a natural archway of stone amongst the boulders and made it his bottleneck to hold off the enemy long enough for the allies to reach them. He died after defending the pass for Three days. But first he climbed with his guts hanging out to the sacred stone at the top. And that is where he died. The blood rite is done in his honor. And the pass was named Passive Analias after him. Him. So while the rest of history has been lost, the memory of his bravery remains. The Pass of an Alias is the hardest and most infamous path up to the top of Romiel. The path itself is called the Breaking. Because of how it can break someone mentally if not physically. And that friends, is the blood rite.
- [99:16]
Lexi
Nice. Now let us close out the Acotar. Only part of this episode with our favorite moments. Cassian, when he returns from his five day journey. And Nesta thinks. Thinks about. When she meets his stare, her inner mate instincts roar at her to strip off her clothes and offer herself to him. First off, what a training that would be. And secondly, I love this little callback to the beasts that they used to be. Or like the frenzy that Reese called it in Acomaf.
- [99:43]
Nicole
Yes. We find out at Starfall that Vivian's pregnant too. Oh, there's gonna be a little Winter Court baby. Yay. For all the mamas. I also have a crack theory that I'm just gonna throw out there there. That once the cauldron was put back together at the end of Acowar, the Daglin's corruptness of it no longer exists. And something about what they did to it was tied to controlling the fate of Fae reproduction. Like they were trying to control the population. So once the Cauldron was fixed, it went back to the natural order of things. Where it's not so rare to conceive. Hence why we get all these pregnant Mamas in the house.
- [100:16]
Lexi
In the house.
- [100:17]
Nicole
I also love how she and Kalias visit the House of Wind for Starfall. Other courts are being invited to Valara's to experience the beauty and wonder of the city and its celebrations. I love it.
- [100:26]
Lexi
I love that it's not a secret anymore. And last but not least, the versus the lovemaking. I'm not gonna lie. When I first read this or I was listening to the the book, it was like oh. Like there's a difference between fucking and lovemaking. I was like oh, that's a cute sentence. And then it just kept going. There's a difference. It can be like this. And it could be like this sometimes. It could started this and then dissolve into this. And I was like Sarah J. Maas. I get it. I get it. Oh my God. It was really funny. I just love that. All right friends. We are about to begin our Mass First Madness section.
- [100:56]
Nicole
But first we'd love to give the biggest warm welcome, welcome, welcome to our newest inner circle members.
- [101:02]
Lexi
Thank you so much for joining Tina S. Abigail B. Elze Andre, Maya B. Lindsay H. Katie W. Great Christina M. Dee, Brooke T. Ariana and Christina W. Welcome, welcome, welcome.
- [101:17]
Nicole
And if you're like, hey, I want my name shouted out on the podcast and to be showered with all the love and affection too, join the patreon party@patreon.com fantasy fangirls the link is also in the show notes. Today's Maspers madness includes spoilers for the entire Mass Verse. So if you have not read House of Flame and Shadow and Kingdom of Ashes, this is where we part ways. But before you go, reminder that next episode we will be covering silver flames, chapters 65 through 72.
- [101:44]
Lexi
And in case you missed the extremely exciting news, we have officially announced what book we are covering after Onyx Storm it is going to be the Kindred's Curse Saga by Pen Cole. We will be starting with book one spark of the everflame in April 2025. Link in the show notes to get the books and it's also April Fabulous audiobook.
- [102:04]
Nicole
Absolutely. And if you're not following us on Instagram and/or TikTok, what are you doing? Give us a follow @Fantasy Fangirlspod. You all know that we have so many announcements, so much extra giveaways, Newscaster Nicole's, everything that you could possibly imagine on social media.
- [102:19]
Lexi
And last but not least, please do not forget to rate and review the podcast. You all have been amazing with pouring love into the show. We have thousands of reviews and we're at a five star average rating y'all. That is un freaking heard of for a podcast. So thank you, thank you, thank you to every person who has done it. And if you feel like sharing the love, go ahead and hit that five star button and also write a little love note in the review section.
- [102:44]
Nicole
We are now going to enter our Mass Verse Madness segment of the episode where we call out series crossover references and discuss theories. Today we are discussing concepts that get of spoilers from the entire Mass Verse. So please only continue listening if you've read all 16 books.
- [103:00]
Lexi
Okay, you're probably gone if you have not read these. We need to talk about some things that we couldn't mention during the whole Sacred Mountain Underneath Ramiel segment because I mentioned what if an alias is buried underneath? We know that Selene underneath the prison carved the full story of the Fall of the Dust Court and then she had her holographic download moment. Are we going to get another one of those with With Annalius under Romiel? And then would there be another one under the sacred mountain in the middle? Since it's in the middle, Would it be from Fion? Probably not, because he died in the Bog of Urid, so I could see that one just being left alone because we already spent so much time under that mountain. But also, Cassian mentioned he hardly would call the prison a palace. Ah, but it used to be. I couldn't say that it was so. That was hard. That was hard not to say.
- [103:43]
Nicole
We also can't forget about what Vesperus said about hiding pockets of the Asteris power throughout the lands. Specifically under the sacred mountains. There's absolutely a reason they're all barren. And I wonder if it has to do with the Asteri magic, where it's corrupted the mountains from what has taken root beneath them. Or the Asteris magic has somehow continued feeding off these locations, causing them to be the only three barren mountains. These places of hidden magic are better suited to hold power than other locations where the veil between worlds is thin and magic naturally abound. Sounds the asterisk magic thrives in regenerative magic of the land. While Vesperus goes on to discuss thin places in particular. I am so hung up on this about the sacred mountains. And Romul seems to be the only one that hasn't been explored whatsoever. We'll save more theories about what's under Romiel until next week's episode where we are going to be talking a lot more about Romiel. But I just love it all.
- [104:36]
Lexi
We also finally have made it to, I'd argue, our biggest Throne of Glass Acotar crossover.
- [104:42]
Nicole
Oh, absolutely. I'd say the only direct one.
- [104:45]
Lexi
Yeah, definitely. This is the Starfall where Aelin flies across the sky. In case you forgot this part of Kingdom of Ash. Allow me to refresh your memory towards the very end of the book, where Aelin leaps through the gate and flies through the worlds, she falls through Lunathean. Quote. A world where a great city had been built along the curve of a river. The buildings impossibly tall and. And glimmering with light. Hi, Lunathean. And then she passes into a world of snow capped mountains with thousands of shining stars flying overhead. Quote. Where a winged male stood beside a heavily pregnant female, gazing at those very stars. Hello, Rhys and Feyre. From this Starfall. Aelin is unable to slow down, so she reaches out her hand to see if she can signal to them to help me, help me. And Rhys is head snaps towards her, I'm assuming hearing her using Demati powers. And he lifts out a hand shooting a blast of dark power. Aelin realizes that this is a wall and a shield that slams into her that slows her down. And then she vanishes from the world just like that. It's less than a quarter of a page, but you can't read that and not totally freak out. Something I love is that Kingdom of Ash came out actually in October 2018 and Silver Flames came out in in February 2021. For reference though, Acafas came out in May 2018, so a little bit before Kingdom of Vast. So she already knew that Feyre was going to be pregnant at Aylin flying across the sky at Starfall. This pregnancy Easter egg is just so fun that she already knew the what was in store for Feyre and Silver Flames.
- [106:20]
Nicole
So does this mean that Throne of Glass, Acotar and Crescent City are all on the same timeline? Because Alien is falling through worlds, but not necessarily timelines, right? That's been my understanding and it makes the most sense. Do you agree, Nicole?
- [106:33]
Lexi
Yeah, I think that makes the most.
- [106:34]
Nicole
Sense though if all the worlds are on the same timeline. It does squash a lot of theories about potential generational connections between universe characters. But I think this is really does show that they are all on the same timeline.
- [106:45]
Lexi
Well, something that would kind of make me go huh? Is that if Flame and Shadow is about six months after this. So Alen's what, 19? She's about to become the Queen of terrorism officially, with the end of the war and all that kind of stuff. Where is Lydia in this timeline then? Because we know Lydia is a descendant of Brandon Galathinius, but some people have assumed that it means that she's a descendant of AEN and Rowan. I personally don't think so, because timeline wise that wouldn't add up.
- [107:12]
Nicole
Isn't BRANDON from about 10,000 years ago or so?
- [107:16]
Lexi
Yes, the Brandon is from many, many, many, many, many, many years ago.
- [107:19]
Nicole
So I see a descendant of his going over to Midgard during the Northern Rift. So Lydia is an ancestor of his, but from thousands and thousands of years ago when his descendants migrated to Midgard.
- [107:32]
Lexi
Yes. One of the main reasons that people think Lydia is Aelin of Rowan's is because she has that ruby ring which is similar to how Rowan's ring is described, but it's not a one to one comparison. So I agree with you. I think that she's a a distant cousin of Aylin.
- [107:48]
Nicole
All Right, friends, my voice is gone if you can't tell. In fact, fun fact, we had to record the cereal tea time way earlier in the episode because I was nervous about my voice. So I'm going to go drink some tea. Thank you so much for joining us today. We only have two more Acotar series episodes. Well, and then of course, we'll have our wrap up one too, but only two more Deep Dive episodes. That's crazy. So next week we will be doing episode 10 covering chapters 65 through 72 of Silver Flames.
- [108:17]
Lexi
Thank you so much to our content researcher, Brooke, and of course to our executive producer, Hayden, AKA our sanity manager. We love you guys. And last but not least, of course, share this episode with your fellow Silver Flames friends. If you and your friends like us, have some questions about what the heck's going on at the end of this, hopefully this either cleared it up for you or. Or fueled your fire to at least group text about it.
- [108:41]
Nicole
All right, everybody, we'll talk to you soon. Bye. Bye.
- [108:43]
Lexi
Bye. She even sticks her hand out trying to, you know, touch a few stars and she gets a big old handful of spirit splooge. But she loves it. It's great.
- [108:52]
Nicole
Oh, yeah, it's not Cassian's, but, you know.
- [108:55]
Lexi
Oh, my God.
- [108:56]
Nicole
Sorry.
- [109:01]
Lexi
You know, we were here, here. I knew it.
- [109:05]
Nicole
Sorry I ruined the moment.
- [109:07]
Lexi
No, I love it. Please never apologize. It's so good.