Elide Lochan
Elide Lochan, the Lady of Perranth, is a vital member of Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius's inner circle. First appearing in Empire of Storms, her role expands in Kingdom of Ash as she joins Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius, Gavriel, and Lorcan Salvaterre in the desperate search for Aelin. Elide's relationships with Lorcan and Aelin are central to her arc, showcasing themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the strength found in vulnerability.
Who She Is
Elide is a testament to the power of intellect and resilience in a world dominated by magic and brute force. As a human without magical abilities, she relies on her sharp mind, unwavering courage, and deep compassion to navigate treacherous landscapes and political intrigues. Her journey is one of healing from past trauma, embracing her identity as a leader, and finding love in the most unexpected of places.
Personality & Traits
Elide's strength lies not in magic, but in her intellect and unwavering spirit. She is a strategist, a survivor, and a loyal friend, proving that true power comes from within. Despite enduring horrific abuse, Elide retains a deep capacity for kindness and an unyielding determination to fight for what she believes in.
- Intelligent and Cunning: Elide's greatest weapon is her mind. She devises the plan to track Maeve's commanders by their movements, demonstrating her strategic brilliance. Her infiltration of Doranelle showcases her ability to think on her feet and manipulate others' perceptions.
- Brave and Resilient: Despite her physical limitations and lack of magic, Elide demonstrates immense courage. She faces down immortal Fae warriors, navigates treacherous cities, and contributes to the war effort without hesitation. Her resilience is a product of surviving a decade of horrific abuse.
- Loyal and Determined: Elide's devotion to Aelin is a core motivator. She is relentless in her quest to find and rescue her queen, viewing it as a debt of honor. Once she sets her mind on a course of action, she is nearly impossible to deter.
- Compassionate: Despite the cruelty she has endured, Elide retains a deep capacity for kindness. She shows concern for her companions, particularly Gavriel, and her compassion is a guiding force in her actions, especially when she helps Yrene Westfall tend to the wounded in Anielle.
Character Journey
Elide's arc in Kingdom of Ash is a powerful journey of emotional growth and self-discovery. Initially, she is haunted by Lorcan's perceived betrayal, her trust shattered and her heart guarded. As she travels with Rowan, Gavriel, and Lorcan, she confronts these feelings head-on, slowly understanding the complexities of Lorcan's actions and witnessing his remorse. This journey transforms her from a survivor into a leader, embracing her title as the Lady of Perranth with grace and strength. Her solo mission into Doranelle is a pivotal moment, proving her wit is as valuable as any magical gift. By the novel's end, she has fully embraced her role, her love for Lorcan, and her place in the new court, standing as a symbol of human resilience and the power of a sharp mind.
Key Relationships
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Lorcan Salvaterre: Elide's relationship with Lorcan is the most significant and tumultuous in the book, evolving from bitter hatred to a deep, hard-won love. His confession that he crawled after Aelin on the beach, not Maeve, marks a turning point, revealing his true allegiance. Their reconciliation culminates in his offer to bind his immortal life to her mortal one, a testament to his complete devotion and a powerful symbol of their love.
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Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius: Elide's loyalty to Aelin is the driving force behind her actions at the start of the book. She feels an immense debt to the queen who saved her from Morath, and she risks everything to repay that debt. Their bond is one of deep friendship and mutual respect, built on shared experiences and a mutual understanding of sacrifice.
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Gavriel: During the search for Aelin, Gavriel becomes a protective, almost paternal figure to Elide, offering her kindness and support when she is isolated by her anger toward Lorcan. He often uses his magic to ease the pain in her ankle, demonstrating his care and concern for her well-being. Gavriel's presence provides Elide with a sense of security and stability during a time of great uncertainty.
Defining Moments
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Devising the Plan to Find Maeve: Early in their journey, Elide realizes the futility of chasing Maeve directly and proposes they track her commanders instead. This plan proves successful, highlighting her strategic mind and ability to think outside the box. This moment establishes Elide as a valuable asset to the group, proving that her intellect is just as important as magic or brute force (Chapter 2).
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Infiltrating Doranelle: Elide's solo mission into the Fae city is a masterclass in cunning and bravery. She poses as a jilted mortal lover of Cairn to gather crucial intelligence about his and Maeve's whereabouts. This act demonstrates immense courage and resourcefulness, solidifying her role as a key player in the fight against Maeve (Chapter 23).
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Saving Lorcan at Anielle: In a climactic display of love and courage, Elide rides Chaol Westfall's horse, Farasha, across a battlefield to find a gravely wounded Lorcan just before a breaking dam floods the plain. Her promise, "I will always find you," is fulfilled in this desperate, heroic act, solidifying their bond and showcasing the depth of her commitment to him (Chapter 60).
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Confronting Vernon: When her abusive uncle is captured, Elide faces him not as a victim, but as the powerful Lady of Perranth. She denies him the satisfaction of a reaction and chooses his fate with cold resolve, marking the final step in overcoming her past trauma and embracing her newfound strength and authority (Chapter 79).
Essential Quotes
“I think she’s in Doranelle,” Elide cut in. “Anneith told me to listen that day. She didn’t the other two times.”
This quote highlights Elide's connection to the ancient powers and her ability to glean crucial information. Her intuition, combined with her intelligence, makes her an invaluable asset in the quest to find Aelin. It also shows her growing confidence in her own abilities, as she speaks up and offers her insights to the group.
“I crawled …” His throat bobbed. “I crawled after Aelin.”
This quote, spoken by Lorcan, is a pivotal moment in his relationship with Elide. It reveals his true allegiance and his deep regret for his past actions. This confession begins the long and difficult process of rebuilding trust between them, paving the way for their eventual love.
“I promised to always find you. I promised you, and you promised me. I came for you because of it; I am here because of it. I am here for you, do you understand? And if we don’t get onto that horse now, we won’t stand a chance against that dam. We will die.”
This quote encapsulates Elide's unwavering loyalty and her fierce determination to protect those she loves. Her promise to always find Lorcan is a testament to the depth of her commitment, and her willingness to risk her own life to save him demonstrates her incredible bravery. It also highlights the reciprocal nature of their relationship, as they both vow to always be there for each other.
Elide laughed, smacking his shoulder. And then laughed again, louder. Lorcan set her down. “What?” Elide’s mouth bobbed as she tried to stop her laughing. “It’s just … I’m Lady of Perranth. If you marry me, you will take my family name.” He blinked. Elide laughed again. “Lord Lorcan Lochan?”
This humorous exchange reveals Elide's playful side and her growing comfort in her relationship with Lorcan. It also underscores her newfound confidence and her willingness to challenge traditional gender roles. The fact that she is the Lady of Perranth and he would take her name symbolizes her power and independence, as well as the unconventional nature of their love.