The Sakriel family belongs to the night fae — and more specifically, to the twilight fae. They are called Aeinari — from aion (eternity, age) and ein (true, one). In the ancient Fae tongue (which, as it turns out, is no longer just my headcanon — it's canon 😅), Aeinari means "those who stand in eternal truth."
Their magic and very essence set these fae apart from other night creatures. These distinct traits created the need for a separate caste within the society of Briar Valley.
In their society, they are known as "Keepers of Bonds." Their most famous ability is to see true connections. However, they do not create these bonds, nor do they officiate them — they witness and confirm before the world that a connection already exists. They stand beside others and bear witness to the ties that are already there.
Aeinari can also sense lies — when oaths or promises are broken. In their presence, no one could lie. Falsehood became heavy as cast iron; spells spoken with ill intent would fail or weaken.
✨ A true bond resonates with the world. When two beings do not distort one another.
The Situation in the Sakriel Family.
Philiana — the youngest child of the family — fell in love with a human. A mortal. Among the fae, this was already taboo. But among the Aeinari at that time, it was even more forbidden. In some cases, such transgressions were brutally punished. Philiana was to be punished for her "forbidden" love.
But Agapé — who was almost a second mother to her, and who had always been more sensitive and perceptive than most of her kin — decided to speak with her sister's chosen one. And so, she saw. Their bond was true.
She went to the family elder — the one who had so fiercely pushed for punishment — and said:
"What kind of 'wise ones' are we, if we place dead dogmas above the truth for the sake of convenience?! I have seen that their bond is true. And if you believe I am blind, or that I am lying — then punish me."
And so it was done. Agapé's tongue was cut out.
"You have no right to speak. No right to defend yourself."
A cursed arrow was shot through her throat.
"You no longer have the right to use your family's magic."
Да, Филиану не пытали. Агапе сохранила истинную сущность того, что значит быть Эйнари. Но правда всё равно была сокрушена. Всё равно искажена. Агапе умерла в агонии. Она не смогла полностью «уйти в мир иной». И магия Шиповниковой долины помнила.
That memory led to consequences for the Sakriel clan...
...and set into motion the emergence of Nati.
"She spoke the truth. And for that, she was silenced. But Briar Valley does not forget."
"She spoke the truth. And for that, she was silenced. But Briar Valley does not forget."
I found some sketches from 2021; here is one. Well, I have to admit I don't like Ardenweald at all, but Ara'lon's design was too cute in the cinematic to not to draw him 😅
Shadowlands got me thinking about where Adrian & Felo's souls would end up when they die. Forsworn Adrianal fell from Bastion because he simply could not bear to lose the memory of his husband... who's soul he eventually finds off in another realm. : >
