Intransigent - Modern AU [The Ascendance Series]
If nothing screamed like headache during a horse-riding lesson on a Sabbath day and the loving family pressure like his father, oh ever so gently, demanding that he attend a certain college, Jaron doesn’t know what colors are anymore.
But he couldn’t blame his mother, who is silently agreeing with Eckbert, for she reasoned that continuing his education in Farthenwood will only benefit him, seeing how Drylliad does not have the necessary teachings for his major.
“Besides,” Erin continues, “this might be your chance to leave your hometown like you’ve always wanted.”
He knows this is her way of persuading him to accept, and begrudgingly, he can’t deny that he agrees. As someone who’ve skipped hired lessons and was caught sneaking around at night, Jaron longs escape the confines of his “elite” lifestyle and live by his own choices and rules.
That said, he wants it be on his own terms, instead of his family.
“If it’ll ease your concerns, I will be attending work near your university.” Jaron glances to the side and eyes Darius as he sits still in the corner chair. He’s been silent the whole exchange, and while appreciated, did not in fact ease Jaron’s concerns.
Darius is the heir and prodigy of the Eckbert family. As the firstborn son, their father quickly endowed a harsh regimen upon him once he became of age, trying to ensure he may live up to public standards and appease parental expectations. Controlled and decisive - that is what Darius learned to be. Jaron realized that even with that kind of upbringing, Darius was genuinely happy given how he found comfort in his closest friends, Amarinda and Mathis.
But Eckbert can not be pushing enough. “See? There is a reason to attend schooling there. While away from your mother and I, your brother can look after you.” Jaron is proud of himself for barely refraining from rolling his eyes. “Now unless you rather change your major, I highly suggest you accept.”
Jaron sighs. There is no point in arguing any further; either he chooses to continue being a brat or he grabs this chance at freedom. He may never have an opportunity like this again. He chooses to look at Erin in the eyes, knowing she will be elated at his next words.
“Mother, since you want me to attend, I will go to Farthenwood.”
And there’s the opening to a modern AU I have in mind! There are some references to the book series, as I want to be as close to canon, but still represent a story it’s not tied to politics and war.
Please note that I HAVE NOT read “The Captive Kingdom” yet. Most of info regarding Jaron and his family is based on canon!!
Anyways, some things I’d like to address:
• The original plan was Jaron attending Bymar, like the books. However, I chose Farthenwood since that’s where he will meet his new friends.
• No, Darius and Amarinda do not have any romantic relationship together, even if he is alive. Idk what happens in Book 4, but in this AU, they are platonic friends.
• This is technically a 13+ rated story, which will have swearing involved, but not written here cause who would cuss in front of their parents?
• I’ve tried to recreate some of that sarcasm into Jaron’s personality, but I can’t live up to Jennifer Nielsen’s persona of him *sobs*
I would very much like to explore this idea of mine, but only if people turned out to like this small teaser 😔 comments are appreciated ❤️
