#Saoirse is probably the only one I could say yes on and that's strictly in Flourish (since she doesn't get corrupted there)

[pitofghosts]

I wanted to ask some happy HCs for Kai Fen and Illarion - and Saoirse too, he was more hurt than Kai Fen there wasn't he? - to make up for the previous angst ... there's so few here though. How about - HAPPY Alternative Timeline or What-ifs?

Ah! Yes! I like to think about what could have lead to their lives being happy! Let’s see!

The happy alternative timeline for Kai Fen would be him receiving his blessing. He’d be eleven, which is still pretty late, but he’s a fast and dedicated learner when he wants to be. He would be brought up around his peers, would be groomed to one day become emperor, and would just generally be very comfortable in his life. He and Kuratsa would be betrothed, although their relationship would be more formality than anything.

He’d be very religious and adhere very, very strictly to Enshu’s word. He wouldn’t have an interest in martial arts since he wouldn’t feel like he ever needed to fight, and would instead focus on trade relations with the other nation-states. He’d still be awkward, and he would definitely be snotty and arrogant and EXTREMELY condescending to those of lesser wealth, but he’d have his brother, his father, his throne, and his mother.

When the Blylahns invaded Enyang, he would have gone north with the rest of his family and would be in Linast. He would probably know about Zhihao’s sneaking out to the markets and would HEAVILY disapprove but wouldn’t say anything.

Kai Fen, who falls easily in to peer pressure, would end up drinking a bit at the gala. He would end up flirting with either Saoirse, or some poor guard who’s just there to do his job. He’d be incredibly embarrassed about it the next day and would spend the next five days trying to figure out who the poor soul he embarrassed himself in front of was so he could send them an apology gift.

The happy alternative for Saoirse is something that was more in his control. He would have gone to Linast with his mom instead of staying behind to be with Pelageya. He and Parvana would be really good friends and would have started working on music together, and he might have even asked her out only to be turned down because of the age gap. He would’ve taken it in stride.

This version of Saoirse knows a lot more about politics than he currently does (which is saying something - he doesn’t talk a lot about it but he KNOWS a lot) and he would be a lot more sure of himself. He wouldn’t be so insecure either, and would understand his self-worth. He’d probably ends up as friends with Yusif Irivani.

I get emotional over this version of Saoirse. He’s just so... happy.

Happy alternate for Illarion is that his parents weren’t killed. He would have grown up in a relatively normal, although low income and strict, household. He’s a charismatic guy so he probably would have been fairly popular around his peers. His family was more religious than most, so when he received his blessing they definitely would have been OVERJOYED.

This version of Illarion still believes he’s working towards something greater, but it’s for Vikwo. He’d be a preacher type. He’d still have his vices, although Vikwo doesn’t exactly look down on those.

He’d be a lot happier and wouldn’t be as hard on himself. He and his sister would still be very close, although it would be a more light hearted and teasing sort of deal. I think Agnessa would really look up to him though (He’s blessed! How incredible!).