From being an Abandoned who had rarely left the Hollowed Grounds, to embracing the call of adventure, to dying and being reborn first as an Ascended and then as an Ancient, Maea has gone through quite the amount of changes in her life. One thing remains common, though, in her attempts to find out just where she belongs; she’s always had a craving for knowledge which has brought her to so many places and to meet so many people here in Caido. We can’t wait to see what else is in store for her!
Congratulations, Maea!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
Skinning and hosting by the epically talented Kaons, and functionality fanciness by the coding magic of Neowulf. If you ever see either of them around, make sure to show them some love!
Sah grinned, "That's incredible. Let me know if either of them wants advice. Between Evie, Deimos, and I, I'm sure we'll have whatever magic the twins develop covered." The array of magical prowess in Halo seemed to be ever-growing. He had no doubt that sooner rather than later, every form of standard magic would be accounted for.
The Wild Thunder paused, eyes trailing to his daughter, "I don't know. She hasn't said so, but...I'm sure that she would love it." I've considered for myself on multiple occasions." To be able to race on paws and soar on wings once more sounded heavenly. But the knowledge that he would never regain his true, original form, hurt. It was easier to handle being an Abandoned, but as a Hybrid, it'd be more jarring.
With his eyes in that direction, the Abandoned spotted the fire as it started, and his eyes widened. He held out a hand immediately and began connecting to the spreading embers. Once he had them, the Abandoned curled his fingers and pulled the flames from the grass, making them rise up and float to rest in his palm. Closing his hand, the Wild Thunder dismissed the flames, leaving nothing but a few trains of smoke in the air. He let out a sigh of relief, "There we go."
I think therefore I am, But what if all I do is bleed?
Maea's breath is warm, and with her large face it brushes against Soleil's entire face in a way that makes her laugh quietly, almost ticklish. It is far nicer than the acrid smell of smoke, and the sizzling of embers she can vaguely see between Maea's legs. Fire is a life-bringer in Halo, revered, but even Soleil knows to respect and fear it in equal measure. With no powers of her own, she must rely on her fellows to keep her safe; she trusts her father implicitly, and Noah greatly, but there is still a good deal of bravery in the way she remains kneeling beside Maea with steady hands and focused eyes. Noah's call has her nodding stilted and sharp, understanding but intent on getting just a little more.
"Almost there," she murmurs, not wanting to talk too much of the process itself. While she holds her position, she continues talking, voice bright and natural instead of intentionally soothing or patronizing. "I wonder if being pet in a shifted form feels as good as it looks when you pet a companion or working dog," she muses, fingers cramping slightly from holding them so rigidly. "If it's as good as getting a massage. Can other Ancients touch you without being burned?" It seems a little sad to be untouchable. Isolated in a way that makes Soleil's insides cold. She is not the type of person to find that an appealing notion at all.
With a neat twist of the vial, she cuts the string of molten metal and stands, careful not to rush lest she spook Maea or worse trigger her predatory urges. Stepping away, sweat clinging to her skin from being so close to the molten tiger, Sol smiles brightly. "There we go!" She holds out the vial toward Noah and her father, allowing them to gauge the amount she'd collected and potentially take it to be capped and stored.
I'll only have you if you're sweeter than my solitude
And I only needed one more touch Another taste of devouring rush
Without a way to communicating it was difficult for Maea to answer the innocent questions. The eyes of the tigress merely closed and there was an attempt made to purr; unsuccessful, alas, but proof enough of her contentment.
As the vial was removed and Soleil stepped aside, the Molten Tiger sat up. Leaping elegantly out of the circle of charred earth and magma she had created, the Ancient shimmered and returned to her human form.
"Neatly done," she congratulated them all, sharing a brief smile with each visitor. "That was less awkward than I thought it might be." Between Sah's deft manipulation of the fire, Noah's perception and Soleil's bravery, the task was completed safely enough.
"Do you need anything else? I was hoping to treat you all to a meal before you have to leave... It's not often I get to hear about what goes on in Halo." With the relief of having the most pressing matter over and dealt with, the fair-skinned woman relaxed noticeably, her smile warming like the sun come out of the clouds.
But the room was so quiet Whose side am I on?
Base by Skylark, Art by Midjourney
♦ Violence, magic, thievery is permitted with Maea at all times. DM me if you have any ideas ♦
The task at hand came to a close and Noah couldn't help but notice the way his body felt lighter with relief. He had been grateful that Maea had agreed to the task in the first place, but was even more grateful when it went smoothly and now was done. Taking the well-made lava carafe from Soleil, Noah gave a smile and firm nod towards Maea. "A meal sounds great." Noah agreed to the offer, giving Soleil and Sah both large smiles. Noah knew that Maea loved Halo, so surely an evening spent telling stories and laughing over food and drink would be welcomed.
