biting the sun

Theres a recurring statement that the stars once guided fate, but no longer do (As per. Astrologer equipment, Telescope, Celestial Dew etc.). While many of these descriptions refer to particular factions, they suggest a general trend; that Astrology in general has suffered during the Erdtree times (why are there "Converted Towers" in Liurnia). I think thats definitely relevant to Demihumans in the present. That said, very difficult to say anything about their deep time history.

“The Lord of Frenzied Flame shall take their torment, despair. Their affliction. Every sin, every curse. All melted away.”

There is a almost universal assumption that new Empyreans are found = Marika is actively seeking an heir. But in hindsight, Ranni dialogue explicitly spells out how each Empyrean was found to be such by their "own 2 Fingers". Its never been a question of political favour, who is/isn't the queen's personal favourites.

This is a relantionship that comes pre-strained. Every child a potential threat, who you want to keep on a leash, whose lives need to be carefully guided lest they overthrow you.

And honestly, this reading just makes so much more sense. Ranni grows up with her Shadow among the Carians, taught Sorcery by Rennala (and others). Only formally being inducted into demigodhood later in life. She had a life as an empyrean outside of Marika's immediate household (contrast with the Twins, who also interestingly don't have shadows).

Is Ranni's very existence a problem? The Ranni vs. Marika conflict isn't because of something that happened later in life (eg. Godwyn marriage theory), but the fact that an empyrean was raised by someone else? Contrast how Miquella was raised as a Fundamentalist (ie. within the limits of the existing GO). Malenia obv self excludes by her own choice.

Copyright Eleanor Chua, All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: Jonathan Chua.