Starside Chapter 35 (Chapter 36): Oaths, the Ball, and Vander’s Revelation

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Aris enjoys a lavish breakfast in Vander’s estate, reflecting on Raker’s recovery in the stables. Vander explains that without a creature, she needs alliances secured through sword oaths. He demonstrates how a sword can portal to Great Houses if an invitation oath is sworn. Vander reveals a ball (the Heartfall) will begin in four days at his estate, where heirs of major Houses will gather. Aris uses the time to research family trees, practice dancing, and secretly feed Raker. She receives a magical gown from a living room that makes dresses. During a dance practice, Vander’s morphblade floats above them. He sees silver markings on her wrist and calls her magnificent, advising her to stop hiding.

Key Events

Vander tells Aris she needs alliances because she has no creature.
He explains that oaths bind to a blade; broken oaths shatter both sword and wielder.
Using his own sword, Vander summons a living map of Starside and points out the Great Estates.
He reveals that with an invitation oath, her sword could portal between Great Houses.
Vander mentions a ball starting in four days at his estate – the Heartfall courting ceremony.
Aris researches House Rodin and other families, deciding which heirs to approach.
Each night she sneaks food to the chained Raker and checks his fever.
The dress-making room creates an elegant gown that covers everything but her face.
Vander shows his morphblade, a sword that can change properties (daggers, stars, scythe).
During dance practice, Vander sees the silver markings on Aris’s wrist and reacts with awe, urging her not to hide.

Character Development

Aris

Begins to see herself as capable of surviving without Raker, considering parting ways.
She learns to adapt quickly, mastering dance steps and researching noble houses.
Her secret feeding of Raker shows a lingering sense of duty or care despite their conflict.
When Vander sees her silver marks, she feels vulnerable but also seen as magnificent for the first time.

Vander Evren

Reveals a personal grudge against the gods – they “took something” from him too.
Though prideful and intimidating, he shows patience in teaching Aris oaths, dancing, and the map.
His reaction to her silver markings is immediate reverence, not fear or disgust.
He demonstrates vulnerability by admitting he turned back from the desert because of a creature that “makes men their own worst enemies.”

Raker

Remains chained in the stables, his fever broken thanks to Aris’s care.
Their interaction is hostile but charged – a silent mutual dependency.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Oaths and Trust: The chapter deepens the idea that a sword-oath is a serious bond – broken oaths destroy both weapon and wielder. This mirrors the trust Aris must build with potential allies.
Hidden Identity: Silver markings on Aris’s wrist symbolize her concealed power or heritage. Vander’s reaction suggests these marks are extraordinary, not shameful.
Transformation Through Clothing: The magic dress – made by the estate’s living room – represents Aris adopting a new identity to survive in Starside society. She admits she has never felt beautiful before.
Morphblade as Multifaceted Identity: Vander’s sword that can change forms illustrates that people (and blades) can be more than one thing, challenging Aris’s initial judgments.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter shifts the narrative from reactive survival to proactive strategy. Aris learns a concrete mechanism (sword oaths and portals) that could speed her journey to the Land of the Gods. The upcoming ball introduces high-stakes social maneuvering that will test her ability to forge alliances. Vander’s discovery of her silver markings raises the stakes of her hidden identity and suggests she is more than a human street rat. The chapter also sets up tension between Aris and Raker, as she contemplates completing the quest without him.

Study Questions and Answers

1. How does Vander explain the importance of alliances, and what key rule about sword-oaths does he share?
Vander tells Aris that without a creature, she must rely on alliances made through sword-oaths. He explains that oaths are binding on the blade: if the oath is broken, the sword shatters, and if the bond is strong enough, the wielder may also be destroyed. This makes an oath a serious commitment.

2. What is the Heartfall ball, and why does Vander describe it as tedious?
The Heartfall ball is the start of a months-long courting ceremony in which eligible heirs and heiresses of Great Houses gather to make matches. Vander finds it tedious because he must participate as a host and potential match, but he clearly dislikes the social formality.

3. What does Vander do when he sees Aris’s silver markings during their dance, and what advice does he give her?
Vander stops dancing, gently rolls up her sleeve, and gazes at the silver marks with awe. He tells her she should not hide them; instead, she should show everyone what she is. He calls her “magnificent” and leaves her stunned. This moment suggests the silver markings are a sign of great power or importance.