doglover120universe asked:
Idk if you can answer this or if it would be like a spoiler but why did Varuna agree to the war between the Igni and Unda? In book three, he mentions that a fledgling could not understand the perils of being an ancient deity. Was he worried about Agni or was he talking about himself? Were the other Four worried about Agni after his son died?
I just love reading and thinking about the Fours relationships with each other so much. I have three sibling though it’s two girl and one guy but all of our relationships are so different because we’re all very different people. Would you be willing to expound more on their relationships or point me to a post about them? I also totally understand if you can’t say anything due to spoilers.
Heya Doglover,
Sorry for the delayed response! This is a great question!
There were two reasons Varuna agreed to the war between Unda & Igni. The first reason is the smokescreen Agni gave his brother when proposing the war (the Igni people needing to be stoked and reminded of their faith). The second reason is what Varuna alluded to with Ezra—Agni needed a distraction from eternity. This is a similar concern we see Skanda having in Agni’s memories. He even suggested he could start another war for Agni, who then turned down his offer and told him to stick to making chess sets. When Agni woke up from his century-long sleep, he was in pretty bad shape. His siblings all recognized this and knew it was a matter of time before Agni self-destructed. Though engaging in a war would not be a guaranteed cure, it would have been a temporary balm and something to preoccupy Agni if he were to ground and parade as a mortal.
As for your question on the Four’s sibling dynamics: I also have three siblings (all girls, unfortunately). Just like you, we are all pretty different from one another. The same can be said with the Four. In birth order you have: Vayu, Prithvi, Agni, and Varuna. Vayu is typically the black sheep of the family and is quite independent from his siblings. Prithvi was the mischievous spirit who also had the tendency to be the reluctant mediator between her brothers. Agni is a likewise mischievous spirit who saw (and continues to see) Varuna as the perfect target. Varuna, meanwhile, is very much the youngest sibling and prone to being the butt of the jokes. He is also one that quietly seeks out validation and meaningful attachments.
They were close growing up, though just like your typical siblings, they had conflicts, but unlike your typical siblings, those conflicts lasted much longer and were more destructive. While they all grew up with their aunt and uncle, Agni was a hotheaded little shit who was often banished to the secluded mountain with his other uncle during much of his fledgling days. While they’ve grown up and (at times) spent lifetimes apart, they are able to come back together as if not much time has passed.
We’ll learn more about the Four’s dynamics in Part IV, but if you had more specific questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
Thanks for the Ask! 🤍
Avery Hendrex 