Maltra Deravel

Maltra (formerly Maltiderva) was queen of Equita, as well as the mother to Orethus and Riqisha, subsequently the grandmother of Nova. She stayed strong in her position, making sure her people were always safe, while also being very caring. She lived after the Tasa Bombing, however, died roughly nine years later, just before the beginning of Book 1.

Appearance
Maltra was a slender woman, with relatively broad shoulders and more narrow hips. She was relatively short compared to other Ancients, despite being average height for a Sotolan. She had light teal skin, as well as hip-length blue hair with slight waves. Like other Ancients, she has two pairs of spikes on her shoulders. She also has a red gem on her forehead, which helps her concentrate her telepathic and psychokinetic abilities.

She commonly wore a long blue dress that trailed behind her, as well as a dark blue band that went around her waist. Like most Equitian wear, the skirt was decorated with uneven triangles along the hem. In her formal attire, however, she wore a mostly dark blue ensemble, with a separate skirt and shirt, both decorated with gold accents and lace. She wore two arm bands decorated similarly, with a matching necklace. She wore opalescent earrings and a matching crown as well, as well as flared arm warmer sleeves, common in Equitian wear.

Abilities
Like other Equitians, she was capable of controlling and manipulating water. To a point, she was able to generate it as well, though this would drain her energy more than simply controlling existing water. Common to council members, she was a telepath. However, she struggled with controlling this ability due to her stigma against its strength, as well as its ties to her emotional state. She feared this strength and swore off using her telepathic abilities. Despite her best efforts, this built up energy would lash out and destroy objects or hurt people around her.

Personality
On the outside, she looked very cold, stern, and intimidating, but she held a very soft spot for the people she cared about. To the people closest to her, she was very energetic and liked to play around with others, taking joy in confusing them. There were many times where she would act as though she was neglecting her council duties, hiding upon its roof to take time to herself.

However, she also had a tendency to get wrapped up in her own head, stressing herself out and denying help from others. This would usually end up in her asleep at her desk or needing assistance from her second-in-command, Ceretiz. She didn't trust easily, but she was very attached to those she trusted.

In the council, she maintained a garden in the heart of it, showing a passion for gardening. She also liked to sing, not only to her daughter when she was young, but also for herself.

Early Life
Like the other Ancients, she formed in a collapsing nebula, as opposed to a ruby star. After they found Sotol and spread out along the land, she found her home in the cold mountains along Sotol's cold ocean. She helped to build Equita, in its society and its population. She eventually had her daughter, Riqisha, and the two lived together in what was the early Equitian council. Maltra served as a bellringer in the peoples' morning and night rituals, where they would ring bells to not only signify the time, but to honor the sea.

During the guardian distribution, Maltra was very adamant against it because she knew it would involve her daughter being taken from her. However, the movement was passed regardless and Riqisha was sent to Ekatari to serve under Rayata. In a fit of rage, Maltra cut all ties with Ekatari, their former trading partner. This prompted discussion of war, however, neither country would have been able to follow through with threats.

Post-Rebellion
After Nepteir's rebellion and Equita's population changing slightly, Maltra received the news that her daughter, Riqisha, had fallen ill during her duties as guardian. She was personally escorted back to Equita, where she was placed back in Maltra's care. Not only was Maltra heartbroken at what had happened to her daughter, but she was able to figure out quickly it was a result of Rayata's abuse, which angered her greatly. Despite everything that had happened, she never seemed to hold any grudge against Nepteir. Possibly because she thanked him in her heart for killing Rayata.