| Name | Ilva Holdfast |
|---|---|
| Age | Unknown |
| Status | Deceased † |
| Faction | Order of the Eternal Flame |
| Rank | Member of the Eternal Flame’s Council |
| Repertoire | Lapse |
| Eye Color | Unknown |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Family | Apollo Holdfast † (nephew), Luc Holdfast † (great-nephew) |
Contents
Biography / History
Early Life and Status within the Holdfast Family
Ilva Holdfast is a member of the Holdfast family and the great-aunt of Luc Holdfast. She is born to alchemists but never manifests alchemical resonance, making her a Lapse. Ilva never conceals this fact and does not express shame or apology regarding her lack of resonance.
Despite being a Lapse, Ilva is afforded the same opportunities as other members of the Holdfast family. She is among the first women to study within the science department before ultimately choosing a different path.
When her brother Helios Holdfast, Luc’s grandfather, becomes Principate, Ilva becomes the first female non-alchemist to formally join the Order of the Eternal Flame. Her role within the Order is administrative and political rather than alchemical.
Role as Steward of the Principate
Following the deaths of other members of the Holdfast family, Ilva becomes Luc Holdfast’s closest remaining relative. When Luc is elevated to Principate, he appoints Ilva as his steward, entrusting her to act on his behalf during his absences, particularly while he is at the front during the war.
As steward, Ilva oversees political, administrative, and logistical matters of the Principate. She functions as Luc’s primary proxy within Paladia’s power structure and is responsible for maintaining continuity of governance.
Relationship with Helena Marino
Ilva demonstrates caution regarding Luc’s health and treatment. She is notably reluctant to allow him the use of drugs, expressing concern over the risk of dependency. Instead, she prefers the use of Helena Marino’s vivimantic abilities where possible.
This preference reflects Ilva’s tendency to favor controlled, supervised intervention over chemical reliance in matters affecting Luc’s wellbeing.
Decline and Death
As Luc Holdfast comes under Morrough’s possession, Ilva Holdfast’s health begins a sudden and severe decline after years of stability. The deterioration coincides with Morrough’s increasing control over Luc’s body and authority. Ilva Holdfast is ultimately killed by Luc while he is possessed by Morrough.
Physical Description
Ilva Holdfast is described as a gaunt, grey-haired woman. She is often seen with both hands resting on the head of her cane. She wears a large sunstone pin affixed over her heart.
Personality
Ilva Holdfast presents herself without apology or concealment regarding her lack of alchemical resonance. She operates with authority rooted in experience, family standing, and institutional knowledge rather than power.
Her conduct is practical and deliberate, shaped by long service to the Order and the Holdfast line.
Alchemical Abilities
Ilva possesses no alchemical resonance.
