Cognates are a pair of Telepaths who work together and have a special, rare mental connection. They can achieve things that a single Telepath cannot by combining their energy and balancing each other's personality. Cognates are required to share everything with each other, and their bond is based on trust. The Cognate bond is similar to marriage in some ways.
It was noted by Tiergan in Legacy that Sophie and Fitz might still be possible even if some secrets are kept from each other, an approach that requires maturity and trusting the other no matter what. Tiergan, as well as countless others, believed that this was the highest level of Cognatedom. Accepting the other person's limitations (of what they can share) can even enhance the bond between Cognates that reach this level. A Cognate must also have a special connection with the other.
The special bond between Cognates is strong but can be broken if the trust between the two is breached. It is very rare for a Telepath to find their desired match, much less achieve Cognatedom because they have to be so open and perfect for each other. It can be very hard to share everything with another person, shown by Sophie in Neverseen, Lodestar, and Nightfall when she hides her crush from Fitz.
Known Cognates[]
Sophie and Fitz[]
- In training
Tiergan and Mr. Forkle tested whether Sophie and Fitz could become Cognates by seeing whether Sophie could teach Fitz an impossible telepathic skill. She succeeded. They began their training in Neverseen and have maintained a healthy connection throughout. Fitz often uses the fact that they are cognates as a reason to work with Sophie. In Legacy, after the two have a falling out, they began lull in their Cognatedom. In Stellarlune, it got to the point where their Telepath instructor, Tiergan feared that their bond would fall apart if something didn't happen and the two perform the Cognate Inquisition. In the end, their bond became much stronger than it was before.
Alden and Quinlin[]
- Previously, before Prentice's memory break
Alden and Quinlin were previously cognates before they performed Prentice's memory break. Their connection was broken because Quinlin kept to himself his doubts about performing the break.
Mr. Forkle and Mr. Forkle (deceased)[]
- Previously, before one of them died
Mr. Forkle and Mr. Forkle, who were twins, shared every memory and secret with each other even before they manifested as Telepaths — when one twin was dying shortly after the events of the Peace Summit at Lumenaria, he used his final moments to share all his memories with the other twin so that there would be "no gaps" in his, or rather, their memories. The only thing the late Mr. Forkle did not share was the pain in his final moments.
Councillor Emery and an unknown telepath[]
- Previously, before Emery became a Councillor
Because being Cognates is a bond similar to marriage, and there can’t be bias on the Council, the Cognate relationship was ended when Emery was elected.