How does a girl who thrives in the shadows cope when her strength is the last hope for her friends? Welcome back to another Sovereign Soul blog post. As we count down the days until the release of Embers of Orden, today’s blog post is dedicated to a character who displays cunning, fortitude, and tactical prowess – Ephora Harmony. We’ll explore her role within the group dynamics of Sovereign Soul and delve into the art of crafting compelling interactions among diverse characters.
Spoiler Alert: This post contains potential spoilers for Sovereign Soul: Akin Minds and offers glimpses into Embers of Orden. If you haven’t yet started the series, grab a copy here and prepare yourself for an epic journey.
Ephora Harmony emerges from the shadows early in Embers of Orden, but her name is mentioned in Akin Minds later on. Sharp-witted, resourceful, and confident, she’s the daughter of Lord General Ragekku Gero of Syaoto’s army, and a valued asset to him and the kingdom. Raised in Balgena, Ephora attended the School of Black, a prestigious subterfuge academy that raises assassins, spies, and others who prefer to avoid the spotlight and operate from the shadows. She has a strong sense of independence, and her vast arsenal of weapons and strategic mind make her a force to be reckoned with. Her abilities quickly earn the respect of our Syaotoan friends, and she becomes an integral part of the journey in Embers of Orden.
“I can look after you, too. I may be younger than you, but I studied at the School of Black! If Lancet tries to touch your butt or anything creepy, he’ll lose a hand before he even knows it!” – Ephora Harmony, Embers of Orden Act 3, Scene 5
Daughter of Ragekku Gero and Melodia Harmony and sister of Sakura Harmony, Ephora is also personally protected by Koteran Ruesto, ex-knight of the King’s Own, who had a hand in raising her since she was very young. With the combined education of Ragekku, Koteran, and the School of Black, Ephora is a skilled combatant and tactician in many regards, wise beyond her years and deeply educated in Syaotoan history and warfare. She’s also formed close bonds with other characters in the castle, like Rena and Dawn.
Ephora stands out among the cast with her sharp tongue, quick reflexes, and a mischievous glint in her forest-green eyes. One of Will’s first notes about her is that she bears a slight physical resemblance to Ryoku, though they’re starkly different at more than a passing gaze. She is fiercely independent, often asserting her capabilities to those who underestimate her due to her size or age. Ephora is not only a skilled combatant but also highly intelligent and strategic, always thinking several steps ahead in any situation. Her training at the School of Black honed her abilities and makes her a valuable ally, and a dangerous opponent.
Although she projects confidence, she struggles with her role in the group and her relationships with the other characters. She is deeply loyal to those she cares about, particularly Koteran, who she sees as a protector, mentor, and friend. However, her fierce independence sometimes clashes with her protective instincts.
Ephora is among Sovereign Soul‘s LGTBQ+ characters. After trying and failing to show interest in men, she’s fully interested in women. She was also severely bullied and hazed at the academy by her upperclassmen, in part due to her orientation and partially just for being junior to them. She likes to deal with ill attention on her own, knowing the lengths Koteran, Ragekku, and the rest of her family may go to stop the treatment. Her identity not only affects her personal journey, but can create subtle tensions and bonds within the group.
Ephora spends most of the first half of the book interacting with different groups, progressing from ultimately being a stranger to forming close bonds with the characters. One of the best ways to do this, especially with a larger cast, is by way of contrast. I can show her sharpness against Koteran’s stoic nature, or her moments of vulnerability when compared to Sira’s aggressive demeanor. Her interactions with her father are an excellent way to prove how fiercely independent she wants to be.
Ephora also brings a light-hearted, mischievous energy to the scenes. Her playful banter, especially when teasing or being teased, can add volumes to her character and her relationships, making her appearances and dialogue more memorable. In the point of contrast, it makes her stand out even more against the serious members of the cast, like Koteran or Leif.
Embers of Orden is a story of not just Ryoku Dragontalen and his journey to meet the fate that has been dealt to him, but also a legend of many characters coming together from different backgrounds, facing adversities, and overcoming them as a team. It’s about coming back from the brink, pulling oneself from utter despair, and managing to rise and seize the day. Of many characters, Ephora is one of these struggling to carve her own identity into the world and rise above.
As we visit Ephora’s story in Embers of Orden, we’ll see her face challenges and grow into her role as a key player in the unfolding saga. What secrets will she uncover in the catacombs of Balgena? How will her relationships with Koteran, Sira, Ryoku, and the others evolve? And what will it take for Ephora to rise above it all?
Get ready to dive back into the world of Sovereign Soul and discover Ephora’s journey in Embers of Orden! Which interactions with Ephora do you think are going to be the best? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s get ready for the unforgettable journey continuing this Winter 2024!
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