Ardentia

Ardentia as seen in DARKSIDE

### Relatives

Vessels (siblings), Hornet (half-sister), Pale King (father), White Lady (mother)

## Appearances

### Debut

DARKSIDE

**Ardentia** is a vessel and member of the Grimm Troupe, formerly known as Fervid. They are the main character during Scarlet Swarm's first half and primary antagonist in its second half.

## Appearance

Ardentia is a large vessel who is noticeably bulkier when compared to their siblings due to the physical changes brought on by the initiation into the Troupe. They have four horns, one large curved set of two and two smaller ones that protrude from the outer sides following the curve of their larger pair. They wear a Troupe mask that mimics the facial markings of Nightmare King Grimm, as opposed to regular Troupe masks that only carry Grimm's signature vertical face lines. This mask cannot be removed. They also wear a red capelet that covers their shoulders and upper back, this varies from regular vessels that typically wear grey-blue capes. They typically brandish a large pure nail in their left hand, but is proficient with weapon use in both hands.

## Personality

Ardentia is most often a rather stoic character, and will only speak when spoken to. However, due to their short fuse and often explosive anger they may pick fights, both verbally and physically, with anyone that frustrates them, including but not limited to Grimm. Despite their masculine appearance Ardentia acts and moves effeminately, matching their strong feminine voice. Depending on their circumstances they may mellow out and become less confrontational. After their abandonment they become more aggressive and irrational, often attacking on sight, this is coupled with bouts of extreme sadness.

## History

### Before and during the war

Like their siblings, Ardentia (known as Fervid at the time), hatched within the void and was raised in preparation for the war foresaw by the Pale King. During this war they were captured by Grimm and forcefully initiated into the Troupe, losing all their memories in the process. Now against Hallownest Ardentia fought and killed many knights, both vessels and other species.

### After the war

Once the war is over Grimm abandons Ardentia in the remains of Hallownest to wander eternally. Due to their extreme loyalty to Grimm and his Troupe they are devastated and take their anger out on any bug that they find, no matter their affiliation. After some time they come across Vestige, who often manages to escape them using fast thinking and wit.

## Relationships

### With Grimm

Ardentia and Grimm have an extremely turbulent relationship and at first the two got along well, Ardentia often being treated with special privileges. Over time however they start to lose Grimm's favour and take up increasingly drastic measures to get his attention, often only receiving negative attention. Before their abandonment the two were confrontational in almost every interaction they had, despite this Ardentia is still devastated once they are left behind.

### With Vermilion and Brumm

Despite their uncaring feelings towards the majority of the Troupe, Ardentia does enjoy their relationships with Brumm, an established member of the Troupe, and later on Vermilion, a new member. The two act as close confidants and eventually as love interests, and Ardentia can be persuaded and calmed by the two when they otherwise could not be. Much to Grimm's displeasure they will listen to these two more often than him.

### With The Troupe

There is often high tension between the remaining Troupe and Ardentia, as they aren't protected by strength or bond like Grimm, Brumm, or Vermilion. They tend to avoid eachother whenever possible, only interacting at shared events or when directly ordered to.

### With Hallownest

Ardentia is opposed to Hallownest due to the manipulation they are under from Grimm. This opposition continues after their abandonment.

### With Vestige

Ardentia wants desperately to kill Vestige and they become increasingly angry as he manages to evade them.

## Trivia

1. Ardentia's birthday is May 8th as this was the release date of DARKSIDE.
2. The name Ardentia is derived from the word ardent, but is not pronounced the same, instead pronounced ArdenSHEa.Ardentia and VermilionArdentia performing in a long dressArdentia and nightmare torchesArdentia crouching down ready to lunge forwardArdentia and Brumm