Illyria's feelings for Wesley

[caitaintdead]

I'm rewatching the last few episodes of Season 5 tonight and I am seeing such a close bond between Illyria and Wesley. I know it has been discussed in the past and I know that I have noticed it before but tonight it seems quite clear and obvious to me that there was still feelings of love passing between the two.

I don't think that Wesley was genuinely falling in love with Illyria, but I'm starting to think that Illyria was genuinely falling in love with Wesley as opposed to just having hangovers of Fred.

What's the general consensus among fans?

 

[white avenger]

I would have to say that the most accurate answer to the question would be "both." Yes, we see that Illyria retains Fred's memories and residual feelings, pretty much the same way that a vampire retains its host's memories and feelings, so she/it would feel a special bond with Wes.

But also, after the initial adjustment to the new body and its limitations, Illyria began to connect with the people around her, primarily Wes, since he was the one who knew and understood Illyria the best. Her "priest" was dead, and he was the next person most knowledgeable of her hell god persona with whom she could associate/bond.

 

[laianna]

I definitely think both, however I don't think she was falling in love with him. I think it's more like white avenger said, where Illyria connected with Wes due to his proximity to and care for her. I think the bit of Fred inside her is what allowed her to empathize (not sure if this is the right word) with/pity him in his final moments.

 

[caitaintdead]

It was said that Illyria would destroy Fred's soul though, so I have to wonder what part of her remains if it is not her soul?

I have always been under the impression that in the Buffyverse the soul is what retains emotions and empathy.

 

[laianna]

It was said that Illyria would destroy Fred's soul though, so I have to wonder what part of her remains if it is not her soul?

I have always been under the impression that in the Buffyverse the soul is what retains emotions and empathy.

Muscle-memory in her body? She obviously has access to thoughts/feelings... But we see vamps have emotions... Empathy maybe not so much, but all the main vamps we see retain their personalities even when their souls are gone.