💠 When did he come to the Little Palace to begin his training?
Ivan was around 3 year’s old when he was left outside the Little Palace, abandoned by who they assumed was a Fjerdan family. Ivan as small as he was could already speak a few words. Unsure what to do with such a small child, a child who displayed some power. The Darkling gifted him to Genya to take care of. Genya took the small child in caring for Ivan as if he were her own. She taught him all the things a mother might and of course the extra’s, like languages, defence and tailoring. When such power’s displayed themselves Genya had warned Ivan they must keep that part of him a secret. Ivan had done just that but as he grew he become a gifted Heartrender.
Ivan spent most of his childhood away from the other children and with Genya. His and Genya’s bond becoming like that of a mother and her child and so when a young Fedyor turned up at the Little Palace---who was also gifted to Genya, Ivan hadn’t known what to make of such a small boy. The boy had cried and cried and cried, until Ivan had tried to sooth him with a book and toys. There was no jealousy between them and Ivan had accepted how their little family had grown.
They become close quickly Ivan and Fedyor, a bond closer then brothers. He enjoyed the boys company, the only other person other then Genya who could make Ivan smile. Though the bond Ivan and Fedyor had formed would be tested over time. As Ivan’s power grew he had captured the eye of the Darkling who would attempt to separate the boy’s as often as he could, calling Fedyor a distraction from Ivan’s true potential. Despite all the Darkling attempted, Ivan and Fedyor would remain best friend’s over the years, that friendship turning to love. With Ivan insisting that Fedyor remain at the Little Palace. Like Calls to Like. Ivan and Fedyor always being together on missions, a bond unbroken.
As for Genya, Ivan would continue to write her letter’s as often as he could while away on missions for the Darkling.