#Ignisia

[dragon-age-sideblog]

Follow up post

Thanks @becausedragonage for the recent ask, I realized if I answered it in that post it would have gotten too long lol. Without further ado, my DA OC babies:

Daria Brosca & Alistair: Ok other than the whole thing with Kieran (who. idgaf what canon says. they are part of his life they are like his "fun aunt & uncle") they had both thought like "Well grey wardens can't have kids AND dwarves & humans can't have kids together" so they didn't worry about it until oopsies it turns out they CAN. Their first son is born (Can kids be born with the taint? Idk. but I decided yes) and they name him Duncan :) and he is very frail and sick. Years later they come across a 2yo orphaned elven girl (during Inquisition stuff happening) and they try to find a home for her but no one was suitable so they just keep her and go off someone's recommendation to name her Adahari. Duncan (if he survives to adulthood, haven't decided yet) becomes a rogue; Adahari a mage.

Garrett Hawke & Fenris: My Hawke got a permanent hysterectomy when the Arishok impaled him on the sword sooooooooo. Also Fenris was very hesitant because "Are you sure we should even be parents" but similar to above, they find a young orphaned girl in the alienage after the Qunari invasion and she just kinda keeps coming back even when they find other families to take her in. So eventually they keep her and rename her Maribeth (after Marian and Bethany). She ends up being a mage and Fenris is even more freaked out but Hawke is delighted.

Kiilani Cadash & Josephine: For a long time they just didn't think it was a good idea - they were both busy with the Inquisition and then Josie was dealing with her family's estate and affairs, Kiilani was traveling and working as a mercenary company commander. But many years later when things settle down a bit they talk about it and decide adoption would be good, plus it would leave an heir for the Montilyet stuff (beyond Yvette's children). Then Veilguard stuff happens and they're suddenly confronted with an orphaned dwarf boy whose family got wiped out with the "new" blight. They take him in, his name is Wyldan and he's approx 10-12 years old when they adopt him. On his way to be a warrior (especially with Kiilani training him).

Plaio Lavellan & Cassandra: *Steeples my fingers* I've thought about them the most. So in a post I made long ago about them getting married right before one of the last battles against Corypheus because one or both of them might die? Yeah. That's where their first kid comes from, and he's born shortly after when the main-game ends. Anthony Lavellan-Pentaghast is their firstborn, and he becomes a warrior like his mom, most likely a seeker in her new order as well. He looks like the carbon copy of Plaio just with longer hair and no vallaslin. He loves dragons and is appalled that his parents contributed to the death of at least 12 dragons. Their second child is born during Trespasser (literally Plaio loses an arm at the same time Cassandra goes into labor) and her name is Atisha; she's a rogue and a hunter just like her dad. She's the peacekeeper, very quiet and reserved, very good at reading people. Their last kid is born about a year later and she's the wildchild. Ignisia is a mage and it starts YOUNG. She has her mom's dark hair but her dad's bright green eyes and she tends to electrocute things when she gets too excited.

Minerva Adaar & Sera: Minnie didn't really want kids at all and Sera didn't care either way, so they never have any official kids. But Minnie does consider all of her mage students to basically be her kids and Sera considers any of the younger Red Jennies to be her proteges, so I guess those ones count? They have a slowly growing army of prankster rogues and mages.

Enzidya Trevelyan & Dorian & Iron Bull: YEAH theirs was an accident too i.e. they FAFO but they adore their kid and wouldn't trade them for the world. Asaara Pavus is born right after events of Trespasser. Dorian thought it would be hilarious and would make his father turn in his grave if he knew that his grandson was half-qunari and had been given the Pavus name. Enzy was fine with not passing his name along (he changes his last name to Pavus too). Iron Bull is just delighted to have a little one. Asaara was picked by Bull once he saw the little guy because he was so... spindly and swift-looking. Turns out he was 100% right bc that kid becomes a rogue as well.

ROOKS: (I haven't decided anything for sure on them yet, will perhaps add to this later)

[cigarettesbeforeandduringsex]

(Here is the first chapter of the First Rebellion Hunger Games fic, I'm kinda on a writers block/busy, ut here ya go if you're interested!)

The Spark of the Rebellion

Takes place before/during/after the First Rebellion before the Hunger Games.

Part 1: The Fire Idea

Chapter 1:

“Ignisia I’m home!” yelled out Dad from the front door.

“Dad you’re back!” I cry out from the kitchen, leaving the wooden spoon atop the frothing pot of green beans, I run out to the front and hug him. Dad’s suit is worn, its navy fabric once nice and crisp now fraying at the seams.

“Oof, it’s good to see you fire-girl!” says Dad as he hugs me back in one arm, his other one holds his equally worn leather suitcase.

“What brought you here so early?” I ask, brushing my hair aside and looking up at him, I’m almost reaching Dad in height, currently I reach at his shoulder.

“Ah, you know me Ignis dear, I ended the meeting early, I barely have time to see you!” he said with a weary smile. I go on my tippy-toes and kiss him in the cheek.

“That’s ok Dad, Grandmama is out in the kitchen if you wanna say hi,” I say as I take his coat and suitcase from his hands, hanging up the coat and placing the suitcase down on the table.

Dad enters the kitchen where Grandmama is clad in a nice but also worn fur coat with a fur hat, huge dark glasses and her white hair piled up in fancy curls. Grandmama was always one for class, especially as the Mayor’s mother in law.

“Hello Grandmama,” said Dad, kissing her wrinkled cheek, dusted in pink powder. Grandmama looked at him from her dark glasses and squinted, “Is that you Francis?” she says in a warbly tone.

Dad titters and shakes his head, “No it’s your son-in-law, Uranius, Grandmama.” he says as Grandmama pursed her red lips and patted his cheek with her manicured red nails (an exact shade that matched her lipstick).

“Alright then,” she says, staring off into the distance as Dad looked at the stove, “Green beans again?” he asks with a weary tone and I nod, sighing deeply.

“Yup, that’s all there’s been, we got a few of those cans along with lima beans, black beans, kidney beans, beans and more beans…” I say as Dad shaked his head in amusement and kisses my forehead.

“Don’t change Ignisia, please.”

“Of course I won’t!” I say, giving him a pointed look as I turn down the heat from the stove and serve him a steaming hot plate of green beans and macaroni from the other pot that had been done earlier. I mash up the beans and macaroni for Grandmama a little bit as we sit down and eat. We’ve been forced to ration out food due to the high grocery prices plaguing us currently.

“Where’s Mama?” I ask Dad as we eat.

“She’s still in the lab, from what she told me early this morning, she won’t be back until late evening, but save her something, she’ll come back tired.” he said as he ate a forkful of macaroni and green beans and I slam my fork onto the table as Grandmama eats.

“She’s always tired. She’s always comes home late. I barely see her, she’s been working from dawn until dusk for the past whatsoever years, its stupid! Look at us Dad! We can barely afford food, can barely afford Grandmama’s medication and can’t even buy clothes anymore, this situation is getting out of hand!” I cry out as I set down my fork with a clatter.

“I know fire-girl, trust me, I wish I didn’t gave to deal with those Capitol fucks everyday, but that’s part of the job, it’s what I signed up for. I just wish we weren’t so exploited.” he says, looking around as if there were a secret camera. Dad sighs and his mood changes, “So how was school?” he asks in a cheerful tone.

“It’s alright, we’re learning about the chemical properties of nuclear elements, although it’s all so basic, like c’mon! We’re 15 years old! This is easy! It’s easy chemistry!” I say as Dad chuckles.

“I’m going to be honest, I didn’t even pay attention, I already know it all. It’s District 13! We know this stuff, this Capitol teacher thinks he has 1st graders as students.”

Dad sighed, “I guess you got me and Mama to blame, we did teach you most of that stuff.”

“You two and Grandmama,” I interject as I look at the woman who gives me a toothy grin.

Dad looks back at Grandmama and pats her hand, “Indeed, but try to bear with this new teacher, I know he’s not what you want, but there’s little that can be done about it, anything Ravinstill says goes. I just follow orders Ignisia.”

I sigh, “but what if it doesn’t have to be that way, I mean could you imagine? A day where we can do whatever we want without benign supervised?” I ask and Dad whistles, “The day that happens I’ll shave off my beard!” he says and I laugh.

We finish dinner and Dad takes Grandmama back to her room and I can’t help but think about her. Grandmama, easily the brightest woman of her age had taught me basically everything in terms of society, and had even spoken plans about rebellion and one day she’d woken up with a disease that took away her memory. Coincidentally later on that day cameras and microphones were placed outside of people’s homes with a threat that they could soon be inside them.

The people had been scared and flocked over to Dad who had no idea about the rule and had just known about it like them, but he told people not to panic and continue as normal and to be careful of what they say. The people had nodded and gone back home but an uneasy feeling nagged at my chest. Had the Capitol always had cameras and microphones around? Had one of the Peacekeepers told? Possibly, but deep down in my heart I couldn’t deny that the Capitol didn’t have a hand in this. At home we avoided talking about it, mainly for Mama who was utterly heartbroken that her mother wouldn’t remember her at all, but there was a shared feeling on who had done it.

I go ahead and begin on my chemistry homework which is just ridiculously easy, Professor Klein really thought of us all as incompetent, preaching about the Capitol and how we District trash should be less educated than they. Of course Professor Klein probably doesn’t know that while District 13 may be presented as a ‘Graphite mining’ district, in reality it was a center for nuclear and weapons making, anything such as missiles, bombs, guns, rifles, any sort of military equipment the Peacekeepers may use, we make them. Most people work at the factories assembling their parts and others, like Mama (and at some point my Grandmama) work in laboratories making nuclear compounds, and gunpowder and all sorts of chemicals needed to make weapons fire. It also helps that we house the Peacekeepers too, so its easier for them to get their equipment when needed.

The evening goes on and I’m headed back to the living room after my shower as Mama opens the door.

“Mama!” I cry, also running towards her, Mama looks weary, her eyebags getting more sunken and bigger by the day. She ruffles my hair, kissing my forehead.

“How are you Ignisia dear?” she asks as I give her a small smile. 

“I’m fine Mama, and you? How was the lab today?” I ask as I take her white lab coat and worn leather purse.

“It’s fine, they want me to come earlier tomorrow, apparently they want several chemicals done by the end of the week, we haven’t even started them and worse off, they want triple the weapons from the factories. Those workers are mad.” she says as she serves herself macaroni and green beans.

“What?! Triple the weapons? Several chemicals done by the end of the week? That’s outrageous! Who do they think they are asking you and everyone to work like you don’t have a life to live?” I ask as Dad comes down from the stairs and kisses Mama in the lips. Mama sits down as Dad takes her hand and kisses it as well, I sit beside her.

Mama sighs, “I know its ridiculous but that’s just the ways things are hon, there’s little we can do.”

“But we can Mama! We outnumber the Capitol! Thirteen to one, imagine that! Why should we keep working for them? They can’t function without us!” I say as Mama gives me a stern look.

“Hush now Ignisia, we don’t talk about that here.”

“But she’s right love.” says Dad, agreeing with me.

Mama sighs and puts her head in her hands, “I know Uranius but we can’t talk about this here, we’ve seen the consequences five years ago.”

Dad goes ahead to speak again as there’s a knock on the door. He groans in annoyance and goes to get it, its not uncommon for the Mayor to get knocks from citizens but sometimes Dad wasn’t in the mood.

It’s just me and Mama at the table as she eats silently and I fidget with my hands.

“Sorry Mama, its just so unfair” I begin as Mama continues to eat. “We barely have time to see each other, we’re overworked every day, given little pay and groceries are expensive and Grandmama’s medication rises by the second, we can’t continue this! Heck, even our teachers are getting replaced by incompetent Capitol people who know nothing! Wouldn’t you like a day where you can afford stuff?” I ask her as Mama finishes eating and set her fork down.

“You know I do Ignisia, but what you’re saying can get you killed or worse, what they did my mother… that was a warning, to all of us. We can’t do this again.” she says as she caresses my cheek. I sigh in resignation.

“I mean we’ve been practically rationing and I haven’t ate a real meal since I was five.” I say, “We’re the ‘rich’ family in this District and we practically have to ration! We’re as poor as the people in the slums!” I cry outloud as Mama gives me a glare and shakes her head, shutting me up.

Mama gets up and places her plate on the sink washing the dishes as I go back and finish my math equations. Dad comes back after a while as Mama gets out of the shower and sits in the old couch at the living room, I look at him from the kitchen table and he sits down on the couch and sighs.

“Victor Fission came by just now, he said that the labs are make new chemicals at the end of the week and that the factory workers are mad that they have to work overtime to build triple the amount of weapons they got.” he says as Mama sighs.

“Yes, I’ve told Ignisia about that, I will be leaving earlier now.” she says, annoyance in her voice.

“Titania—” begins Dad.

“Don’t Uranius, we won’t talk about this here, they may have microphones here.” cuts off Mama with a wave of her hand as I stand up from my chair.

“Oh c’mon, you’re going to leave earlier, you both barely see each other, you’re all so busy, even I find myself having more workload than usual, its all a plan.” I begin, “Mama you leave before the sun comes up and come back after it goes down! And Dad, you’re practically cooped up in an office all day! Where’s the food and supplies the Capitol promised they’d give us several months ago? Gone! Probably given to the Peacekeepers! Oh but the Capitol loved to brag about us and how we’re they’re lapdog, but do they realize that dogs bite as well? Tell me, what day is it?” I ask my parents as they look at me stunned.

“Tuesday.” “Saturday” they say in unison.

“Wrong.” I say, walking over to the living room, “It’s Wednesday.”

I sigh and motion at my parents, “See? This is what I mean, soon enough they’ll try to make us robots or something! We’re not robots! We can’t leave in such high demand! We have to stand up to them! I believe in our chances!” I say enthusiastically as Mama shakes her head.

“No Ignisia, I know its hard to believe, but things will get better, there are bigger reasons for this, but it will get better and we will come through this.” says Mama, reaching out and squeezing my hand.

I sigh and shake my head.

“Fine.” I say as I wish them goodnight and go up the stairs to sleep. I sit at the top stair and listen.

“She’s right Titania, the Capitol… Ravinstill has seen other nations outside of Panem, he wishes to keep their existences quiet, but this overworking? All of this work for little pay? You deserve better than that, we all deserve better than that.” insists Dad, as I seemingly get out of earshot, taking Mama’s hand.

“Ugh, Ravinstill is a crazy old man, what is he so paranoid about? I think he just wants to overwork us to death.” says Mama quietly as she leans back on the couch, exhausted.

They stay silent for a moment and I see Mama take Dad’s hand, “I don’t want to lose you or Ignisia, not like my mother…” she says softly and for a moment I hear the voice of not a woman, but a little girl missing her mom.

“You won’t Titania, but Ignisia’s right. " Dad pauses and leans in a bit, his voice getting quiet, "But— you’re not far off the truth.” says Dad as Mama leans in close.

“Ravinstill wants to start a war with the other nations.”

Mama and I gasp at the same time.

“So the rationing… the high demand…” begins Mama and Dad nods.

“Ravinstill wants to go to war against the other nations and win.” says Dad as I quietly scramble back to my room and almost jump as I see Grandmama stand in front of the door of her room ominously, “I told you so.” she says in a soft raspy voice, “I knew it so.”

I give a hard swallow and shut the door quietly.

This is really good! I really liked the names you gave the characters

[mooncookieee105]

Heading Home

-----------------------------------------------------

The sky was dyed golden as Ignisia stepped out of the ball, the scent of roses and wine lingering on her cloak. The Ante-Solisteal gathering had been as insufferable as ever — a stage of smiling masks and pleasantries laced with venom

She stepped into the waiting carriage with a soundless movement. The carriage lurched forward and she exhaled sharply. Across her, Valeria gave her an empathic look. Isolde, next to her watched with quiet amusement. 

‘At last,’ he remarked, eyes glinting with mischief, ’here I was wondering if time spun slowly for you.’

‘Next time, you can escort the princess of the Western kingdom’, Ignisia deadpanned.

‘No, thank you‘, he replied without missing a beat, ‘though, may I ask if you have found peace with your stomach, or did it triumph over you, Grandmaster?’

‘Isolde’, Valeria warned him.

‘What?’ he gave his most innocent look, ‘you hurt me, dear wife.’

Valeria shot him an unimpressed look. He returned a goofy smile. Ignisia sighed. She gazed out of the window. The Capital stretched in orderly streets and towering spires. At its heart, the Sanctum Auriel loomed, its golden domes catching the last light of the setting sun.

The Sanctum Auriel was a grandeur display of ancient craftmanship. Its golden towers embedded with purest of crystals, reflected a thousand colours. Silver acacias stretched across the floating terraces and its mystical gardens donned fountains of pure aether. It loomed tall, an absolute authority of the Imperial Family.

The unshakable weight lifted off her as the distance grew. The Capital was like a flaming torch of power, and she was not a moth.

She looked longingly at the starry sky. She could not wait to go back.

The first sight of home appeared on the horizon after a long journey. Everfaith estate nestled against rolling hills — the walls were worn, the banners faded, and yet the sight stirred something warm in her chest.

The familiar scent of earth and embers filled her lungs. No ceremonies, no watchful eyes, no whispered expectations. Just the hush of the evening wind and the distant murmur of her people, waiting to welcome her back.

She was home.

On arriving, Isolde leaped out of the carriage first, almost tripping. Ignisia got off next.

'After you, my lady', she bested him, lending a hand to Valeria.

'Why thank you, my kind Sir', Valeria humoured her.

Ignisia gave him a cheeky grin. Isolde stepped ahead, masking his pout, escorting Valeria by his side. They entered the courtyard, a routine after a long trip. Ignisia followed them few steps behind, mindful of their privacy.

As always, her gaze lifted, spotting the Floating Ginor. Suspended above the eastern courtyard, its ancient roots curled through empty air, defying time and gravity alike. The branches swayed gently. It’s usually teal leaves, now a shade of purple marking the arrival of Soliste. A purple leaf fell, swaying in the air, reminding her of a promise long broken. She caught it in her palms, facing the blunt of emotions that overwhelm her.

‘Matriarch?’ Valeria’s voice snaps her back. How long was she there with Isolde?

 ‘Yes?’, she replied half a beat too late. Valeria gave her a concerned look.

The words she spoke were a low punch to her stomach — 'You have done enough, Matriarch. Fourteen years have passed', Valeria grasped her hands, 'you have searched enough, waited long enough.'

She withdrew her hands. It stung like an old reopened wound. Familiar hurt but no less painful. She clenched her jaw, unwilling to reply.

‘She states the truth’, Isolde faced her, ‘I trust you would not burden yourself with guilt.’

She gave them a small nod and walked past them into the mansion. She headed straight to her study, heavy oak doors whispering shut behind her.

Her study stood there unchanged, bookshelves to the right, a divan and low table at the centre, a desk pushed to the back of the room. Beside it, a display rack for her swords and a cozy fireplace to the left. Her old swords hung above the fireplace.

She rarely visited her study; her duties as the Grandmaster kept her busy. Her visits were now limited to the nostalgic days or in this case — when she was troubled.

She swept a glance across her study, noticing the things placed haphazardly — desk overrun with stationary, books on the floor, low table stacked with letters and scabbards. Reorganizing the study did sound therapeutic now.

She started with her desk. There were stamps, quills, ink bottles, a bookmark and a stack of fresh parchment paper, all rearranged into the drawers based on size. She placed the bookmark and the three picture frames, one by one, on her desk.

The first picture was a recent one after her brother’s engagement. In it, she wrapped her arm around Isolde’s neck. They had the same crimson hair and sapphire eyes. In front of them stood Valeria, lively with jade eyes and silver hair, showing off her ring.

The next picture was her family portrait. Her mother sat forefront; she stood behind her, alongside her father and brother. Her mother had jet black hair with piercing blue eyes. Her father shared the same red hair and had soft hazel eyes. Both held a warm smile.

She paused on the last frame. It was a picture of her childhood, the two of them sitting on the root of the Floating Ginor. She had been smiling and hugging a girl with golden hair and obsidian eyes. Vivian.

With a heavy sigh she tore her eyes off; she needed to distract herself. She picked up the books on the floor next, pushing them in the bookshelf. Then she picked up the scabbards, matching them with swords and rearranging them on the display rack.

She sat heavily on the divan, looking down on a familiar pile of letters, all of them opened. They all had a raven stamp on the bottom left, right next to the sender’s name. She stacked them one by one —

To my dearest Noah,

The taffies you sent were delightful. I especially loved the unicorn tail, if you come across more, do send them my way. How are your training sessions going?

I recently achieved my fifth mana circle and discovered something peculiar. I can perceive others’ mana cores. Some, like Mother’s and Rinn’s, flow like liquid, while others, like Father’s and Magister Robert’s, feel solid. Strangely, Magister Robert never mentioned their colours. When I asked, he looked utterly puzzled and dismissed it as my imagination.

Against my better judgement, I brought it up with my parents. As always, Mother was too busy to pay much attention, and Father… he simply glared at me. He told me not to speak nonsense, and I left in a hurry. Rinn’s expression was odd, but I laughed it off as a joke. It would be troublesome if rumours spread that the heir of the Archmage’s successors wasn’t “normal”.

I wish my parents spent more time with me, even if it was just sharing tea and conversation. It’s not that I mind talking to Rinn, Magister Robert, or the butler, but… well, it isn’t quite the same.

I've sent you some Flame chips, enough for you and your brother. Don’t be stingy, and more importantly, don’t devour them all in half a moon cycle. I’ve included five flavours (five of each for both of you). Take care of your throat, and please, please, spare me the dozen letters detailing their subtle distinctions. They all taste the same to me.

The Greatest Mage in Training, Vivian A. Veritas

-A yellow creased letter

To the greatest dunce Ignisia,

Yes, you read that correctly. Downing an entire barrel of Moonbrew? Truly idiotic. It’s a miracle you managed to attend the Successors’ Meet at all, albeit late.

A little birdie told me you emptied your stomach in the carriage. That alone would have been amusing, but you had rather important company. Who might it be? Oh, just the princess of the Western kingdom. Shocking, I know.

I doubt you even registered your guest’s identity through the haze of your Moonbrew induced suffering. And don’t even think about spewing excuses like ‘A knight’s body can handle three barrels’, or ‘Moonbrew is like water to knights’. If you utter another word of nonsense, I will personally test your so-called knightly endurance against a fifth-circle fireball. Be grateful while I’m feeling merciful, unless you’d like half your estate reduced to ashes.

Such a shame you’ve traded intelligence for muscle. Forget wooing young lords—you’ll end up wooing Jared and wonder why he doesn’t reciprocate. Who is Jared, you ask? My new potted plant.

Some see life through rose-tinted glasses. My vision is already colourful enough with the chaos in the Mage Tower, yet you still manage to add more colour with your antics. Truly impressive, your deeds reach even my isolation.

I’m sending you root syrup for your headache. If I so much as suspect you haven’t finished it, I will peel your eyeballs and boil your teeth. That potion cost me two nights of sleepless brewing, perhaps it will help you recover some of your lost intelligence.

Give my thanks to your brother for the falcon pen. In return, I’m mailing him ‘The Trove: War Axe Edition’. I’m sure his fiancée will appreciate the read. Do pass along my compliments, her smelting skills are truly unparalleled.

As for you, offer Her Highness a proper apology in person and in writing. Earl Everfaith and Countess Everfaith will speak to the emperor on your behalf, but don’t make them clean up all your messes. Get some rest.

Congratulations on becoming a Grandmaster.

Not watching from your walls (or am I?), Alysia

-A letter with a faint herbal scent

Dear Noah,

I’ve been doing… not great. The intensity of colours has increased exponentially. I searched through the Central Library of the Mage Tower, but it yielded nothing useful.

Determined to find answers, I turned to the Imperial Library. My mentor had books to return, so I accompanied her inside. It took time, but I finally found a lead buried in texts from the East Coast and Northern Plains.

And now, I understand. This vision of mine, it is the mark of a spirit-summoner. I hope you haven’t fainted while reading this.

I had my suspicions, so the revelation wasn’t shocking, but it was sobering. Many will find this… unfavourable—though that’s an understatement. Being a spirit-summoner itself doesn’t trouble me, but the circumstances of my discovery do.

Before the Holy Empire’s 300-year Conquest, spirit-summoners were common. But in the centuries that followed, hatred for us spread like a plague. What I uncovered left me recoiling in disgust—those who were discovered were hunted down, and being burned alive was considered a mercy.

Even now, three centuries later, things are hardly better. The looming threat of having one’s core shattered or mana heart crippled is a daily reality. To think that in this so-called Golden Age of Knowledge, exile remains as the sealed fate of spirit-summoners even without a crime committed. It baffles me.

The Northern Plains offer some comfort in their tolerance. The East Coast still fights for equal rights. The Southern Mountains have no luxury for discrimination—they use every resource to survive. As for the Western Kingdom, I know little. And the Holy Empire… well, its hatred remains unwavering.

Becoming the next Archmage should be an honour, but the thought brings me no joy. I want to make my parents proud, but not like this. I love magic, but the more I learn, the more I realize how much I tolerate rather than enjoy. I can only hope they won’t hate their daughter for what she is.

Give my thanks to the Earl and Countess for the crystal brooch. I’m mailing them these enchanted pocket watches.

I couldn’t prepare anything special for you due to examinations, but I’ve made these bookmarks for you. I hope you like them.

Yours lovingly, Alysia

-A letter which dried with uneven dampness and smudged ink

Dear Noah,

I always knew my attempts to be someone worthy in the Patriarch’s eyes were futile. When I tried to broach the topic of spirits, Duchess Veritas’s gaze was colder than ever. And the burn I felt on my cheek? A sixth-circle spell from the Patriarch himself. His expression remained as unreadable as ever, as if nothing had happened. Then, with the same detached tone, he told me to leave.

How have I never truly seen their indifference until now? It was as clear as day—I was nothing more than a pawn, a tool to maintain the stability of the Veritas. After much deliberation, I have made my decision. I am leaving Veritas. This web of deceit cannot hold forever.

My cousin Aster is a mage of remarkable talent for our age. Her sixth mana circle is merely a footnote in her list of achievements. If she becomes the heir, the Veritas household will flourish under her.

The first buds of the Blue Phlox blooming through deep snow are always a heart-stirring sight—a silent reminder that winter is never eternal. Spring will always come to thaw what was once frozen.

After scouring through twelve questionable catalogues, nine gossip collections, and thirty-two useless maledictions, I finally found something real—a genuine book on spirit-summoning.

It took me two months to gather the materials, another five to shape a vessel within me strong enough to hold the energy. After so many failures, I finally succeeded. In secret, I summoned a kelpie—Naelith. The moment it happened, I knew. A sense of rightness, of belonging, unlike anything I have ever felt.

Naelith wrapped me in soothing energy, so warm, so whole. I couldn’t stop my tears. During a dive, Naelith and I found these grape-sized pearls. (And before you ask, no, I didn’t harm anything or anyone, so stop worrying.)

Yours lovingly, Alysia

-A letter with flowy handwriting

It was the last letter, Ignisia stacked them together and set them inside a secret compartment. As she turned away from her desk, a parchment caught her eye.

To the Honorable Ignisia Everfaith,

Grandmaster of Holy Empire and Heir of the House Everfaith,

It is with due solemnity and the weight of duty upon my shoulders that I write to you, for matters of law and order compel us to act with unwavering resolve.

Know that by the edict of House Veritas, Vivian Alysia Veritas, a disgrace to her lineage, is henceforth banished from the lands of the Holy Empire. Their crimes — Oath breaking, Sodomy and Moral Corruption, have blackened their name beyond redemption, and as such, they are cast out from all noble company, stripped of their title, lands, and inheritance.

As the rightful heir of House Everfaith, it falls to you to ensure that none within your domain grant them quarters. To shelter or aid them is to stand against the justice of the realm, and such treachery will not be tolerated. Let your retainers be warned, and let the word spread swiftly to all who swear fealty to your House.

I trust that you, as the inheritor of your House’s honor and duty, will uphold the laws that bind us all and see through it that this command is met with unwavering obedience. Let this be a testament to the strength of our realm and the justice that holds it firm.

May your rule be wise and your House ever steadfast.

By My Hand and Seal,

Duke Nocthelm Veritas

Patriarch of House Veritas

x, x Moon cycle, x1381

-A crumpled parchment with seal of House Veritas

How did she forget destroying this nonsense. She rips the parchment, fury manifesting as scorching aura — setting it ablaze. She tossed it into the fireplace, watching it burn with a crackle.

That was the last letter that updated Vivian’s state—the one marking her a criminal. Banished nobles rarely survived beyond three years. Yet, she knew her friend could withstand even a monster stampede.

Still, for fourteen years, not a single trace of Alysia had surfaced. She never stopped searching. She couldn’t bear to let the number of people who called her Noah shrink from three to two.

A gentle knock startled Ignisia. Quickly, she wiped her tears and adjusted her pearl brooch, ensuring her uniform was impeccable. Composing herself with a soft cough, she answered, ‘Come in.’

‘Yes, Matriarch.’ A maid entered, presenting a letter, ‘I was tasked to deliver this letter.’

‘House of Hearth from Southern Mountains?’, Ignisia took the letter, studying the seal, ‘Who delivered it?’

‘It came with the other official letters; I would have delivered it to your office but it is the first time we received a letter from Hearth, so I’ve come to deliver it to you directly.’

Ignisia dismissed her with a wave of her hand, opening the letter —

To the Grandmaster of the Holy Empire,

It has been a long time since I last wrote to you. The celebration of the X1395th Soliste feels different here in the South. Winter is relentless—its pure white mountains a constant, untouched through the seasons.

I wouldn’t blame you if you burned this letter upon arrival. In fact, it would be a miracle if you read it to the end.

Nonetheless, the Floating Ginor remains as majestic as I remember.

Yours lovingly, Vivian Alysia

[stamped with a raven seal]

‐-----------------------------------------------------

A.N. This is my first work lol.

[halleiswriting]

The Order of Esochaia

In my WIP Strange Magic, most witches follow the faith of the Order of Esochaia, an ancient religion originating in the Southeastern Mediterranean about three thousand years ago. The Order falls under a more general collection of faiths including Paganism and Wicca, called the Paragon Sect. 

The Council of Elders based in Crete governs the Order. The Council is compromised of thirteen witches and warlocks. When the positions were created three thousand years ago, they were voted upon. Nowadays, current Council members vote on new ones themselves. The Elders judge trials, make decisions on how witches shall interact with the mortal world, and create laws. 

Witches part of the Order live by the Codex Paradosa, a book of ancient writings composed by the original witches on the island of Phesyra. 

The Order believes in the Eight Gods: 

Caelum, the god of the sky, storms, marriage, the sun, and victory.

Hekate, the goddess of prophecy, the night, magic, crossroads, and necromancy.

Mortisal, the god of the Under, death, winter, poetry, and secrets.

Anguisa, the goddess of serpents, inspiration, fertility, trade, courage, and dawn.

Patan, the god of the earth, faeries, spring, the truth, and justice.

Aquaedamae, the goddess of oceans, the moon, medicine, music, and earthquakes.

Sapti, the god of cleverness, good luck, ritual, the stars, and mountains.

Ignisia, the goddess of fire, dreams, invention, passion, and agriculture.

At the age of twelve, each witch or warlock will be claimed by one of the gods and be initiated into their respective Circles. During this time, most witches attend an academy to learn and improve their magical abilities. 

Members of the Order believe that there are quite a few possible options for what happens when a witch dies. Some will become ghosts, the most distinguished will be taken into the Heavens to serve Caelum as an angel, the worst will descend into Hell, others will rest and/or party in the Under for eternity, and the forgotten will be absorbed into the Shadow Realm. 

Witches pray every day, once in the morning, and once at night, typically to the god or goddess of their Circle. During meals, they must give a part of their meal to the fire as an offering to the gods. Witches convene at a church service each Friday evening at 8 pm, sitting with their Circles. 

Each Circle is governed by a High Priest chosen by the Council, but locally, priests look over smaller groups. 

One of the most positions in the Order is the Oracle, always called upon by the goddess Hekate. The Oracle is always a woman, and she always forsees the next apocalypse and its savior.

Good and evil is a tricky topic in the Order. “Evil” behavior isn’t necessarily revered, but it also isn’t spoken against. Most witches and warlocks want power, and will go to great lengths to get it and keep it. As long as you aren’t breaking any laws or speaking against the gods, then you’re probably fine. 

The core values of the Order of Esochaia are knowledge, loyalty, performance, power, and versatility. 

@lady-redshield-writes @dreamwishing @aschenink

[cookignis]

ignisia replied to your post: thedoctorsmanifest replied to your post “Seeing...

On an unrelated sidenote, I don’t know how I never assumed you’d write Ignis sooner because he’s so your type and I’m fucking laughing

Lady, baby, you’re not wrong. Jin’s birthday is exactly a week after his. This is fate. This is my design. 

[leorugiet]

ignisia replied to your post: reno from ff7 or seifer from ff8?

……………………… but I have a FF7 bias

we ALL have an ff7 bias. SQUARE ENIX has a fuckin ff7 bias.

[floweringeclipse]

@ignisia replied to your post: Real Talk tho  the Glaives and Guards DEFINITELY...

So are we talking like friendly shenanigans or FF7 Shinra Security Department Versus SOLDIER levels of ridiculous and unjustified hostility here

// MOST LIKELY THE LATTER, LBR HERE, if we’re talking about the level of ridiculousness

although i’d assume they gotta keep it on the down-low mostly (especially in the glaives’ part) bc the higher ranking staff members/council members like Clarus wouldn’t rly approve of it, esp since they’re serving the royal family

[ofnightsky-blog]

    protect me daddy @ignisia

[lilyshield-blog]

@ignisia; from here.

“Cum on Ignis don’t be like that-- It’s a euphemism!” 

[rex-rises]

RexFact #58

Blessed dragons are no longer welcome among the clan as the clan follows no specific deity. Ignisia and Mistral are treated with disdain from Echo and heavily suppressed in their rights. The two continue to stay, however, for their connections within the clan. Those that support Echo also treat them with disdain.

[cookignis]

thedoctorsmanifest replied to your post “Seeing that ‘what if it was Ardyn’ post going around. You know it’d be...”

// - You know...You have a REALLY good point there. The gif set is still cool looking tho and I'm basic.

Oh yeah, like totally no doubt the graphic looks pretty rad. I’m a graphics whore tbh

ignisia replied to your post: Seeing that ‘what if it was Ardyn’ post going...

They’re right in a sense, though. With how much Square enjoys butchering characters, who are we to put it past them? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Tru dat, babe. I mean after what we saw in the Episode :)) But it all still goes against what they were building him up to be. Square get your shit together and just give me Ignis with his hair down + his glasses

[daemominus]

@ignisia:

#Woah there Vergil

I feel personally attacked

[theplagueofstars]

@ignisia replied to your post: Yep. Now feeling a Witcher verse coming on for...

If you thought the Lodge of Sorceresses had some sassy mages, wait ‘til Ardyn shows up

And likely this is why they banned men in the Lodge. The guys had to go form their own.

[leorugiet]

ignisia replied to your post “utprosiim replied to your post “.” How long...”

They haven't given a specific date, but "late September" is what they've said.

ahh, thank you!!

@utprosiim

[ofnightsky-blog]

“My mind is a dark place. You do not want to be there.”

HURT MEME.

           “Anything I can do Ignis— i just want to help you” Now he was beginning to act like Prompto. Lucian always made sure to never hover around Ignis & if he couldn’t do something the first time, he’d hesitate before jumping in and helping. What he was going through, being blind, was a learning experience only Ignis could understand. There was no point in being clingy, but right now, nothing Ignis could say or do would push him away.

          “You’ve always been there for me and now it’s my turn. You can do this. Your mind won't always be so dark. You’ll make it through this even if you don’t believe it right now”  

[chefcoctura-blog]

Continued from here

Brows knitted together for a moment as she thought about it. With a final nod, she took her notes back and studied them once more. Trying out new things was one of the many things she enjoyed, and then having such a great cook to talk to about her ideas made it that much better.

She just knew that Ignis wouldn’t put her ideas down either. So many people were skeptical about odd things.

Turning, she started gathering ingredients. 

“Would you like to try it once it’s done?”

@ignisia