#Valec

[amaramiyu]

My Oathbound Initial First Thoughts & The Legendborn Cycle Book 4 Predictions

So recently, I just finished reading Oathbound and I wanted to post my initial thoughts on it in addition to my predictions for the final book in the series.

Spoiler's ahead!

I want to start this off by saying that Oathbound is a frustrating but necessary book. That's the best way how I can summarize it. Oathbound is also in this unique position because my thoughts on it may change depending on how the fourth and final book is handled.

If you've been following along, originally The Legendborn Cycle was envisioned as a trilogy before it was decided that it should instead be a four-part book series. Ultimately, I think this was the right decision because there were way too many plot threads that needed to be resolved by the end of Bloodmarked, and only having one more book to resolve all of them in a satisfying narrative way would've been a tall order.

Oathbound sets up the finale and is the calm before the storm. Overall, I did like Oathbound, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I did Legendborn and Bloodmarked. This series starts off strong, and I hope it finishes strong as well because I've read too many series recently where the final book in the series dropped the ball.

But before I go any further, I would like to quickly revisit my Oathbound predictions and see what I got right.

Oathbound 2023 Predictions

I was right, the Shadow Court is active/unleashed, and it's revealed that there are factions within it, much like the Order. Some of the Shades are still loyal to the Shadow King, while others have gone rogue.

I was sort of in the ballpark when it came to Bree's character arc for this book. Bree didn't become straight-up villainous or anything like that. However, she was a protégée of one of the main villains in the series, the Shadow King Arwan. At different times during the story, she reveled in her newfound power and operated with the loss of her emotional connections and memories to her loved ones who were still alive due to her bargaining away unknowingly a fragment of her soul.

I was wrong about what the title Oathbound signified. Oathbound was more about self-oaths and Bree being Oathbound to the Shadow King. In addition to the usual established lore of fulfilling oaths that I knew of. However, it's divulged that Kingsmage Oaths really are lifelong oaths because I initially thought Natasia Kane's Kingsmage Oath to Martin Davis was removed after she was stripped of her title, but it wasn't; she felt his death. It turns out scions can be oathed to two different Kingsmages. However, Kingsmages can only be oathed to one single person, and that's it. I was well aware of the latter but not the former. Given how the book ends, it's ambiguous whether Sel and Nick's Kingsmage Oath is still intact. I think it is, but we won't know for sure until the next book. Because Selwyn didn't die at the end of the book, the crown only transformed him, right?

At the time when I made the prediction, I was unsure if Oathbound would have multiple POVs, and it does. Bree was still the main focus.

I was right, like most people predicted, Selwyn seems to be the son of the Shadow King, dun dun dun! And has ties to the Shadow Court, becoming the Shadow Prince.

I was somewhat right about Nick's character arc for this book. He does strike a deal/partnership with a Morgaine named Ava. Furthermore, he also reveals his plan to stop the Scion of Arthur from dying.

The Legendborn Cycle Book Four Predictions

I've noticed that just like the cycle of seasons, each book takes place primarily during one of the seasons. Legendborn-Summer, Bloodmarked-Fall, Oathbound-Winter, and therefore TLC Book 4-Spring.

Meanings, symbolisms, and themes of Spring: Rebirth, Renewal, Growth and Development, Embracing Change, Balance, Hope, Fresh Starts, and Transformation.

Bree and Nick want to change and dismantle the Order, and some combination of these themes of Spring will come into play in the final novel.

Bree Matthews

To save Alice, Bree's going to have to restore her connection to her ancestral stream because she's going to need her power as a Medium.

Selwyn Kane

Sel's character arc can only go one of three ways: The first is that despite his new status as the Shadow Prince, he still remains a staunch ally, staying on Bree's side the entire time. He never takes a villainous turn. The second is that he becomes a problem, is villainous/antagonistic towards Bree and company. He's beyond redemption and saving and therefore must be slain. He goes full-on villain, no looking back. The last option is that it's a mix of both; he's at first chaotic and antagonistic, but ultimately, he sides with Bree and aids her, and vice versa. Basically, he plays on both sides.

Nick Davis

It seems like Nick is being set up for a self-sacrificing type of arc. He also still needs to complete his quest from Oathbound as well. So expect the confrontation with Ava and the Line of Morgaine to come to a head.

Valec

Given the revelations unveiled in Oathbound, Valec is either Sel's half-brother, or he's Zoelle and Elijah's half-brother.

As for my predictions on the love entanglement of it all, I prefer to keep my thoughts/predictions on it close to the vest. However, I trust that Tracy will do what's best for Bree.

[valan]

King Val and Alec had some alcohol. Val was on his 20th drink— as he physically cannot get drunk— and Alec was wasted on his first. Val was trying to get Alec to rest.

This is how it went, trust:

“You need to lie down.”

Alec pointed up at Val. “And *you* need to admit you like me.”

“That’s not— look, just get to bed. And I don't mean you're taking *me* to bed. You’re going to *rest*. I’ll keep watch so you don’t.. do something stupid.”

Alec shot him a smirk. “Bit late for that, your majesty.”

[purplemoonabove]

From someone who bakes in this manner, this is the best line ever 😂🎂

[mynotetrash]

i feel like lark and valec would make a hilarious dynamic i need to see them interacting and bullying sel

[shuggyjiggy]

Hi do think valec like the original Merlin might have same father because valec can Mesmer and zoelle and Elijah can’t is like Mesmer like maybe like a nightshade ability

Oo that's an interesting theory... I don't know. It might be.

[artcat84]

I'm slow at drawing so I'm gonna just do it this way for now til I finish my art

MY LULLABY OF DEMONIA HEADCANNONS Part 1!

Ifrit

- 5'6

- Really good at singing but don't like singing around anyone other than his partner

- They give good fashion advice

- Likes spicy foods

Valec

- 5'2

- He has trypanophobia and autophobia

- He will talk about his interest for hours to anyone willing to listen

- He enjoys making sweets for his partner everyday and writes notes to go along with the sweets

Malthus

(I couldn't get the makeup right :( )

- 5'7

- His room is full of cat plushies and cat themed items

- Has very poor eye sight

- He isn't good at socializing at all

- Has enochlophobia

Belial

- 5'4

- Really good at art but is too lazy to finish any of it

- They played kirby, and it became one of their favorite things

- They hate loud noises

[proudchildlesscatlady]

Do have headcannons about valec

I have some:

1. The reason why Valec was flirtatious with Bree is because Bree reminded him of a woman he loved dearly. That woman was a Rootcrafter. Her and Valec have been together for many years until she was killed by someone from the Order. Valec does not talk about her as it will be painful memories.

2. Since Valec is over 200 years old, he has lived many identities and had several names.

3. He was part of Civil Rights Movement and has used his powers to protect Civil Rights activists from harm.

4. Valec created The Crossroads Lounge in the late 1950s or early 1960s.

5. The first person Lucille (Lu) came out to was Valec.

6. Dark red is not his favorite color but wears dark red as it looks good on him.

7. Before becoming a broker, he witnessed a deal/bargin that involved murder and results traumatized Valec to not deal with contract killings.

8. Valec likes classical music.

[worth-this-and-more]

how i imagine the voices of everyone in the legendborn cycle

[spoilers for legendborn and bloodmarked ig??, read at your own caution ;)]

bree: kinda like tyla; strong, kinda deep but soothing, feels like warm honey and hugs, with fierce undertones, and uses facial expressions for everything so her voice has another feel to it

alice: fluttery like butterflies, not the nervous kind, but the kind that instantly lifts your mood, can't find any examples to it but when you hear her talk you are reminded of waterfalls and springtime

sel: deep baritone voice, sounds aggressive all the time for no reason (well he's a half demon so ig there is a reason but anyways), but when he is talking softly his voice rumbles, reminds you of thunder clouds and autumn

william: not very deep, but soothing like a warm blanket on cold nights, his voice wraps around you like a comforting hug, reminds me of chamomile tea (he's definitely a tea guy) and warm sweaters

nick: lighthearted type of voice, all shits and giggles, a bit of tom holland vibes, him talking automatically feels authoritative, the kind of voice that makes you straighten your posture for no reason at all, reminds me of sunlight and warm food

sarah: idk why im reminded of squirrels whenever sar is mentioned, her voice feels like birds chirping in the quiet morning, soft, cute and pleasant, and with her enhanced speed it sounds like the nightcore sped up audios hehe

valec: i personally have a theory that him and sell are half brothers, and I kinda have imagined his voice to also carry a deep baritone, doesn't sound aggressive but he feels very trustable, diplomatic at times, reminds you of almonds and willow trees (see what I did here??)

tor: regina george. no explanation needed. i have always read her with regina's voice and it fits all the time lool

lark: i had to legit search for scottish accents and then I could actually read his dailouges properly, and I kinda imagined his voice similar to buttermilk cumbersnatch (I feel like I have to honor tumblr's tradition of messing up this name), the accent is different but like the volume and everything matches, obsidian vibes

i'll have to think more for the other characters, pt.2 is necessary ig

[brianakane]

Don't mind valec being the absolute BEST character in bloodmarked

[glitterandsparkels]

Valec and Satan

Why does bro look like that? What his Goofy ass looking at 🤓

Don't tell me I'm the only person that thinks they look alike!!

[king-of-hearts1313]

Guys I just like him, OK? lol

Although we all know Alastor is better~

[amaramiyu]

My Legendborn Cycle Musings & Theories

May 2023 is when I first got into this series and I've been hooked ever since. I've read Legendborn and Bloodmarked at least twice and I have some thoughts about the books and series in general. So without further ado:

Spoilers ahead!

First of all, I'm glad I waited to make this post because recently more information has been revealed about the next upcoming book (Oathbound), and that instead of the series being a trilogy of books it'll be a tetralogy (4 part book series).

Oathbound

I strongly believe that the Shadow Court is definitely going to be unleashed that was part of the bargain Bree made with the Shadow King after all.

Vera’s warning to Bree at the end of Bloodmarked: “Chaos thrives on imbalance.” In Oathbound, is Bree going to become villainous or corrupted in some form? Since she doesn’t have her ancestors to balance or influence her since she closed the ancestral stream?

Since the third book is called Oathbound I wonder if this means oaths will be broken or removed. Obviously, Natasia's Kingsmage Oath to Martin Davis had to have been removed. Could the same thing happen possibly between Nick and Sel?

At the end of Bloodmarked, the main trio: Bree, Nick, and Sel have become separated. Since this is Bree's story first and foremost I think the book will still only be from Briana's point of view. I don't think we'll be getting multiple points of view. However, I'm not quite sure.

Selwyn Emrys Kane

There’s more to Selwyn Kane than meets the eye. One of the main themes in the Legendborn Cycle is ancestry and inheritance.

Theory 1: Erebus (the Shadow King) is Selwyn’s father. Erebus is described as a father-like figure towards Sel and he has a history and a clear fondness for Natasia (He knew where she was at the end of Bloodmarked). However, we know that the Order supposedly monitored Natasia closely while they ensured she gave birth to an heir. Obviously, since both her and Sel are powerful Merlins there must be more to discover about their bloodline. Also, it is mentioned how closely Sel resembles Merlin his ancestor not only in appearance but also in mannerisms. Sel is a prodigy and has the rare ability to transform into an Owl like his ancestor Merlin. Not to mention, the skill he used to craft aether constructs to hold Bree together after her injury which isn’t easy to do and most likely would’ve killed other Merlins attempting to do it.

Theory 2: Maybe Selwyn’s bloodline has ancestral ties to someone on the Shadow Court. 

Nicholas Martin Davis

He's going to be leading the faction of the Order that's still loyal to the Knights of the Round Table.

Maybe he'll continue to forge a further alliance with the Line of Morgaine. Nick will then be further exposed to how they live and maneuver outside of the Order. He is trying to find a solution to stop the Legendborn Cycle without the Scion of Arthur having to die. In Bloodmarked, he found something out but he didn't get to elaborate on it further.

In General

I think the relationship between Sel and William is underrated.

There’s still much we don’t know about Cambions and unions. So far, we know:

Full Demon + Human = Cambion

Human + Cambion = Cambion

But what about: Full Demon + Cambion = ?

Cambion + Cambion =  ?

Are these unions even possible or allowed and could they produce offspring?

On the cover of Bloodmarked, I think Bree is wearing the outfit that she wore during the Rite of Kings ceremony.

Valechaz is clearly enamored and fascinated with Bree and he's such a wildcard. Valec at times can also be hard to read. Will he be a friend or foe going forward?

This may be an unpopular opinion, but in terms of a TV series adaptation of the Legendborn Cycle, I would prefer that it be an animated TV series rather than a live-action series.

[valan]

I'm so normal about Valec, I made them in sims 4 and they got married. They have an adorable lil dog and a toddler. The way they hold each other is so cute I JUST WANNA SQUEAL EVERY TIME I SEE THEM

But I'm normal about them, I swear.

[purplemoonabove]

When you think of an actor’s character’s personality going well with another character’s, only to forget they’re not the same person

My bad, Legendborn readers 😅

[myanxietydemonaretootired]

Will: I'm bored, I don't know what to do

Valec: we could kiss

Will:

Valec:

Will:

Valec: or not

[mynotetrash]

Do think valec might know other cambions or other knights from Erebus court who might have children

i love this question

valec has deep ties with the shadowborn and he has knowledge that bree and selwyn wouldn’t even understand. i honestly do think its possible but wether he would share this information or not is hard to tell. he seems like someone who keeps secrets.