A Court of Frost and Starlight
Chapter 15: Feyre
by Maas, Sarah J.Feyre struggles to find a meaningful Solstice gift for Rhysand, feeling conflicted about indulging in shopping while others in the city have so little. Her sister Elain joins her for a walk through Velaris, offering a distraction from Feyre’s earlier tension with Nesta. The festive atmosphere of the city contrasts with Feyre’s guilt over excess, as she admires the decorated streets and bustling vendors. Elain’s presence provides comfort, though both sisters seem to be seeking an escape from the household’s unresolved dynamics.
In a weaver’s shop, Feyre is drawn to a striking tapestry depicting the Night Court insignia, woven from an unusual fabric called Void that absorbs light. Elain gently challenges Feyre’s guilt, suggesting that celebrating Solstice traditions honors those who fought for peace. Her wisdom resonates with Feyre, who begins to see the holiday differently. The tapestry’s dark beauty captivates her, though she remains unsure who it would suit as a gift.
Feyre approaches the weaver, a High Fae woman with a quiet, sorrowful demeanor, to inquire about the Void fabric. The weaver explains that she created it after her husband died in the war, channeling her grief into the experimental material. Her honesty strikes a chord with Feyre, who recognizes the depth of loss behind the artistry. The encounter adds weight to Elain’s earlier words about honoring sacrifices, deepening Feyre’s reflection on the meaning of Solstice.
The chapter closes with Feyre still contemplating the tapestry, its symbolism intertwining with her own experiences of war and loss. Elain’s perspective helps her reconcile her discomfort with celebration, framing it as an act of remembrance. The weaver’s story underscores the lingering scars of conflict, even in a city now at peace. Feyre’s internal conflict shifts toward acceptance, hinting at a growing appreciation for the resilience and traditions of Velaris.
FAQs
1. How does Feyre initially feel about shopping for Solstice gifts, and how does Elain help reframe her perspective?
Answer:
Feyre feels guilty and conflicted about shopping for gifts, viewing it as “decadent” and “selfish” when so many in Velaris have little (pg. 129). She struggles with the excessiveness of purchasing non-essential items. Elain reframes this by connecting gift-giving to honoring Night Court traditions and those who fought in the war to protect their way of life (pg. 130). She argues that celebrating Solstice—including through presents—acknowledges the sacrifices made for peace. This perspective shift helps Feyre see the cultural significance behind the act rather than just the materialism.2. Analyze the symbolic significance of the “Void” tapestry and its connection to the weaver’s personal history.
Answer:
The Void tapestry, woven from light-absorbing black fabric, symbolizes the weaver’s grief over her husband’s death in the war (pg. 132). Its darkness mirrors her emotional void, with her creative process becoming a tangible expression of loss. The iridescent Night Court insignia woven into it represents hope or memory contrasting against despair. This parallels Feyre’s own experiences with darkness (referencing her time in the actual Void under the mountain). The artwork demonstrates how personal trauma can transform into meaningful creation, a theme recurring throughout the series.3. Compare and contrast the atmosphere of the weaver’s shop with the Weaver in the Wood’s cottage from earlier books.
Answer:
The weaver’s shop is warm, inviting, and vibrant—filled with artistic creations and a working loom (pg. 129-131). This contrasts sharply with the Weaver in the Wood’s cottage, which Feyre describes as a “cottage of horrors” (pg. 129). While both spaces involve weaving, the shop represents constructive creativity (the weaver interacts with customers and shares her process), whereas the Weaver in the Wood’s space was predatory and sinister. The difference highlights the duality of artistic power: one heals through shared beauty, while the other consumed victims through cursed crafts.4. What does this chapter reveal about Elain’s character development post-war?
Answer:
Elain demonstrates unexpected wisdom and emotional intelligence in this chapter. Her insight about Solstice traditions (pg. 130) shows her ability to find meaning in cultural practices, a departure from her earlier sheltered persona. She’s observant—noticing Feyre’s discomfort with shopping—and proactive in offering comfort. Her quiet contentment while exploring Velaris (pg. 130-131) suggests growing adaptability, though her search for a gift for Nesta hints at lingering family tensions. Notably, her advice comes from personal reflection rather than prophetic visions, marking a step toward defining herself beyond her seer abilities.5. How does the chapter use sensory details to establish the setting of Velaris during Solstice?
Answer:
The text immerses readers through vivid descriptions: visual details like “sparkling strands of faelights” (pg. 130), tactile experiences of “running fingers over various goods” (pg. 129), the rhythmic “thrummed and clicked” sounds of the loom (pg. 129), and even implied tastes from food vendors. The “quiet, warm space” of the shop contrasts with the bustling cold outside, while the Void tapestry’s light-devouring properties create striking visual tension. These details reinforce Velaris as a living city—simultaneously magical and relatable—while the seasonal decorations emphasize the celebratory Solstice atmosphere.
Quotes
1. “Decadent—it felt decadent, and selfish, to shop, even if it was for people I loved. There were so many in this city and beyond it who had next to nothing, and every additional, unnecessary moment I spent peering into window displays and running my fingers over various goods grated against my nerves.”
This quote captures Feyre’s internal conflict about indulging in Solstice shopping while others struggle. It reflects her survivor’s guilt and moral compass, setting up the chapter’s exploration of privilege and celebration in post-war Velaris.
2. “It’s their tradition, though… One that they fought and died to protect in the war. Perhaps that’s the better way to think of it, rather than feeling guilty. To remember that this day means something to them… and in celebrating the traditions, even through the presents, we honor those who fought for its very existence, for the peace this city now has.”
Elain’s wisdom provides a pivotal perspective shift, arguing that celebration itself can be an act of remembrance and honoring sacrifice. This becomes the philosophical heart of the chapter’s exploration of post-war healing.
3. “I call it Void. It absorbs the light. Creates a complete lack of color… I began trying to create Void the day after I learned he’d fallen.”
The weaver’s explanation of her fabric creation serves as a powerful metaphor for grief. This moment connects personal loss to the larger wartime sacrifices, showing how art becomes an outlet for processing trauma.