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the cycle ends right now - Elizabeth - 03-16-2025
Stepping off the skyboat and into the village, Elizabeth gave a soft smile. It had been a long time since she visited the Greatwood for anything other than annual festivities. Her parents had spent a lot of time in the area when they traveled, conversing with the Fae to learn more about their history and culture. Meanwhile, she'd found a little corner for herself, just watching and listening to absorb their unique way of life. It had always fascinated her, the way they were so in tune with the gods and nature. It was so at odds with her own existence, yet she admired their steadfast beliefs.
As she looked around, she noticed that some things had changed in recent years, particularly the influx of tourists. Everywhere she turned, there were people of all race and culture traveling in or out of the woods, on the hunt for the flowers that would supposedly save them all. Yet, in spite of so much effort, no one had been able to find anything, lending them more to myth than reality.
Elizabeth made sure the buttons of her maroon jacket were secure as she diverted her attention to the real purpose for her visit: Maea. Her eyes scanned the crowds in search of the woman she'd come to meet, curious as to what events may have instigated her summons.
RE: the cycle ends right now - Maea - 03-16-2025
An apparition waited for the therapist at the foot of the tree that housed the Observatory and the skyport. At least she could be mistaken for one, with her white hair and pale complexion, and the eerie stillness she had picked up on during years as ascended.
Some things were different from last time they met, though. The black dress was nowhere to be seen, replaced by comfortable yet elegant looking trousers and a tunic of midnight blue that flattered her snatched waist beneath an open fur-lined coat. Even more unusual was the braid that looped her long hair into a crown atop her head, neatly secured in front of the horns. It was pretty, practical, and it showed effort, some actual attention to what she looked like that hadn't been there last time.
Gazing absently at fae and folk as they passed, she eventually spotted Elizabeth and lit up with a smile as the came to meet her.
[say]"Hi, you made it. It's good to see you. Did the trip go well?"[/say]
RE: the cycle ends right now - Elizabeth - 03-16-2025
Spotting the pale figure that called to her, Elizabeth gave a warm smile of greeting. [say]"Hey, Maea. It was pretty uneventful."[/say] She'd spent the trip crammed between a bickering couple, trying to read her romance book instead of eavesdropping on their conversation. Her efforts were about half effective, but she didn't mind too much. At least it hadn't been boring.
Looking closely at the woman, she was pleasantly surprised to see the little changes in her appearance. There was less darkness lingering on her face and clothes in a way that made Elizabeth even more curious as to what reason she may have for asking to see her. From everything she could observe, Maea was doing much better than before, although she knew better than anyone that appearances could be deceiving. That didn't mean she wouldn't acknowledge the positive changes she noted, smiling as she glanced at the crown of white on the Ancient's head. [say]"I love your hair. I wish I could do that with mine."[/say] Her own hair hung free around her face, a slight wave to the brown locks that didn't make it much farther past her shoulders.
Elizabeth shifted the pack hanging across her body - the one she carried her notebooks and books in - as she looked around at the crowded village. [say]"It's a lot busier than I remember. Did you have a place in mind for us to talk? It's been a while since I was in the Greatwood."[/say]
RE: the cycle ends right now - Maea - 03-17-2025
Greatful for the compliment Maea touched the piled up braid with a self-conscious smile. It was a new enough style that she had yet to grow comfortable with it, though having it noticed was decidedly encouraging.
[say]"Good, that's good. And thank you. I've suddenly got time in the morning, so I figured it was another change I could make."[/say]
Taking stock of Elizabeth's luggage to find she didn't have anything more to carry, she steered them onto a path that would (hopefully) lead them to the place she had spent the night. A quiet plea to the forest to take her home might at least shorten the time spent meandering down winding paths that subtly shifted under their feet.
[say]"It's a recent thing,"[/say] she replied, watching a pair of outsiders with packs and maps head for the outskirt of the village. [say]"Most have poured in since I arrived; the fae were welcoming at first, but I don't know how long that's going to last."[/say] Tugging her coat close against a cool breeze, Maea cast a sideways glance at her friend. [say]"I thought I'd take you to the place I'm staying. Actually... It has been given to me. By Remi. It used to house the government while he and Juniper were Guardians here. I still... haven't processed it. Suddenly I'm not homeless anymore."[/say]
Laughing at the blue sky, clearly bewildered - a little wild eyed even - at her change of fortune, she hoped Liz would like it half as much as she did. Not even settled in properly, she may ask to be pinched once they got there, just to be safe. Just in case she was dreaming after all.
RE: the cycle ends right now - Elizabeth - 03-17-2025
Elizabeth smiled at the subtle signs of improvement, nodding her head. [say]"Well, I think it was a great decision. It really suits you."[/say] The coiled hair just looked more controlled and dignified in a way that made her think of the philosophical woman more than the waterfall of wild white waves.
As she followed Maea towards the woods, she continued to watch the people and the slowly building tension of the Fae. Luckily, Halo didn't have any similar problems (for obvious reasons), but she could see why an influx of strangers could put strain on a society. [say]"Hmm. I can understand that. Anyone have any luck so far?"[/say] With so many people searching, it was shocking that no one had found anything; but if some appeared soon, perhaps they could leave the Fae in peace once more.
Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, Elizabeth grinned at the news. [say]"That's great. Does that mean you'll be staying permanently in the Greatwood?"[/say] She recalled the letter that had mentioned a 'wrench' in her plans for Torchline, although it had sounded like she might still return there. Yet the word 'home' implied that Maea might be reconsidering those plans, like she might be feeling comfortable enough to settle in the area.
RE: the cycle ends right now - Maea - 03-17-2025
Maea shook her head, frustration overtaking her pleasure of being complimented. [say]"Not even a little bit. If the flowers ever bloomed here, they have to be far rarer than anyone could have guessed. I mean, a person I met who's been here for years says he saw one a long time ago, but even he is questioning whether he imagined it. Maybe it's too early in the season. Maybe the void did something to the soil when the forest was overtaken. Maybe praying to Vi is the only way to go, after all. Who even knows."[/say] Raising her palms towards the sky with a shrug at the end of her rant, helplessness palpable in her tone. Yet she wouldn't give up already either. Too stubborn and far too invested now, Maea would keep at it until she succeeded, come what may.
And if that meant she would remain in the woodlands forever..? A slow breath fogged gently in the nippy air, quickly dispersed by the sun's warmth. [say]"I... don't know,"[/say] she admitted. [say]"That depends. I've been forbidden from returning to Torchline until I bring back a flower... it may be I have no other choice but to remain here. Then again, if I have to bribe the queen just to stay on her shores, I wonder if I'll ever feel truly welcome."[/say] Her arrival here was quite different in comparison. The fae had been tolerant enough, letting her camp where she wished and traded fairly when she had need for supplies. Liam had been nothing but helpful and generous, and now that she didn't have to be dependent on him, she might appreciate that more than before.
Turning around a bend in the road, the Guardian Treehouse came into view. Built like the fae dwellings elsewhere in town, it had a porch wrapped around the exterior where vines had taken hold, lending it a whimsical, half overgrown look that she found very charming. Leading the way up the steps, the interior was equally as delightful. Despite a layer of dust only briefly tended to, the house had a lived in feel about it, like a place left untended only a short time. Some supplies remained from the former owners, stocked shelves and folded up blankets in an open chest; and all throughout someone had lovingly carved patterns into wood and plaster, of vines and stars and abstract shapes that got the imagination going.
[say]"Welcome in,"[/say] Maea murmured, upon opening the front door. She said it tentatively, still lacking that proprietary confidence of a homeowner, barely believing in her role as a caretaker, despite Remi's assurances. Only time could really do anything to change that; certainly more than a single night.
RE: the cycle ends right now - Elizabeth - 03-18-2025
Although disappointed to hear of the lack of flowers, it didn't surprise her. If someone ever managed to get ahold of one, she got the feeling the news would spread like a wildfire through Caido, everyone fighting over where it might be best utilized. But maybe Maea was right, and they just needed to have a little 'faith,' trusting in the gods' gifts or praying to them for assistance. [say]"Sadly, I won't be any help in that area."[/say] Her laugh was warm and soft, no bitterness tinging her words, just resolved understanding. She'd do her best to help in the hunt, but she drew the line at expecting a god to answer her.
As for staying in the Greatwood... Elizabeth didn't like the circumstances around Maea's 'exile' from Torchline. She wasn't privy to the details, however, she didn't appreciate the way it reeked of toxicity. Trying to remain neutral, her expression was more contemplative than scrutinizing as she let out a soft hum. [say]"Hmm. That sounds like a complicated relationship. I suppose it depends on if you have something to atone for, and if finding the flower might help alleviate that."[/say] Narrowing her eyes, Elizabeth shook her head. [say]"But it was extremely cruel of her to give you such a near-impossible task, clearly expecting you to fail. Even if you do succeed, it sounds like there is too much bitterness there to be so easily healed."[/say] If Maea wanted to talk on it more, she was happy to listen as she entered the treehouse. It was pleasantly quaint and worn in a cozy sort of way. There were certainly areas that could be improved upon, but it was a great base to build a life, just blank enough for the Ancient to make it her own while the echoes of past occupants could encourage her in her journey.
Elizabeth gave a soft smile, running a finger along one of the etchings in the wall. [say]"It's beautiful."[/say] Looking to Maea, she tilted her head, as if trying to picture something. [say]"Although I imagined more... books."[/say] Perhaps that was her own personal bias, but she got the feeling that the pale woman may be similarly inclined in academics, based on her philosophical mind.
RE: the cycle ends right now - Maea - 03-18-2025
Aside from a cloak hanging from a peg near the door, the house lacked any touches of Maea at all. It still smelled faintly of the past inhabitants, of dust and cold wood, and while all of that would fade as time passed, it spoke volumes of how suddenly this change had come about.
Crossing the floor of the large room, past the kitchenette and a sitting area next to a fireplace to open a window, Maea hummed with amusement at the remark. [say]"Give it some time, and I bet this place could compete with the Undercroft,"[/say] she drawled. [say]"Now, there's a room upstairs you can take, or we can make up a cot for you down here, whichever feels best. I slept on the couch there last night; would not recommend it unless you have a stronger back than mine."[/say]
Maea knew she was stalling. To hear Flora's demand be described as cruel was releasing something within that she hadn't allowed herself to inspect properly. Oh, she'd grumbled and huffed a bit to friends, and in no way was she happy about it. But. It wasn't anger so much as it was pain and despair that came clawing up her throat; and though she'd been smiling on the way here, and meant to deal with the practical stuff around settling a guest in before talking, she realized that she was fighting back tears all the while.
[say]"I... well. I did know we weren't friends, Flora and I. Or even on good terms. But I had no idea that I'd done something worth that kind of... of hate."[/say] Coming back to sink into a passed rockingchair, it creaked softly against the floor as the legs rolled back, swaying her soothingly.
RE: the cycle ends right now - Elizabeth - 03-18-2025
She chuckled lightly at the joke, encouraged by Maea's humor and talks of the future. Even if she didn't plan to stay here long term, it seemed like something she was comfortable considering. However, as she offered the sleeping arrangements, Elizabeth rolled the words in her mind while she offered a polite smile. [say]"I'll sleep anywhere."[/say] Finally snagging on the right question, she looked to the stairs and what she assumed would be a dusty bedroom above. [say]"Is there a reason you're not sleeping in the bed?"[/say] If she was offering it to a guest, there must not be anything wrong with it, but she wondered if there might be some internal reason she felt uncomfortable claiming the bed, perhaps a deeper feeling that she didn't 'belong' yet.
As Maea made her way to the rocking chair, Elizabeth followed slowly, careful of the tender emotions on the Ancient's face. She sat at the edge of the couch, close enough to talk, but with enough distance to let her feel without the sense of her privacy being invaded. Smiling softly, her voice was soothing as she said, [say]"We can't control how other people feel about us, and it can be especially hard when we don't know why they feel that way."[/say] That was often the most difficult part, and sometimes confrontation was the only way to find peace, or answers. It was something they could address, should she desire it. For now, they should focus on what Maea wanted.
Tilting her head, she planted a small seed for the Ancient to consider. [say]"What really matters is how you feel about the relationship, and whether you value it enough to put in the effort to repair it."[/say] There was no bias or judgement in her tone or expression, not privy to what her relationship with Flora was like or what she wanted it to be. Elizabeth couldn't tell her how to proceed or how long it may take, she could only guide her in finding what might be best for her mental health.
RE: the cycle ends right now - Maea - 03-18-2025
[say]"No, not really,"[/say] Maea replied regarding the bed. [say]"I just didn't get that far before I fell asleep. And maybe I don't really trust that this is real, yet... Like, if I get comfortable and suddenly have to uproot again, it would... hurt, I think. A lot."[/say]
Rubbing the back of her neck, left exposed and cold with her hair tied up, Maea pulled her legs up in the chair and worried at the hem of her trousers with a nail. [say]"Honestly, I don't even know Flora. We've met all of three times, barely spoke during any of them, and yet she has a fully formed opinion on who I am and what I'm about. All she's seen is my mistakes, and it doesn't seem like she's got any interest in letting me make up for them. If she wasn't the queen it wouldn't be a problem, I don't need to be liked by her – but to live with that kind of disdain hanging over my head at all times...?"[/say] She shook her head. It just wasn't worth it.
[say]"The thing is, though, that I really have done serious mistakes. If it had been a purely logical reasoning then I wouldn't even complain. I... as a diplomat I invited the leaders to a meeting, that was crashed by Dahlia. I stood up to her, asked her to leave as she hadn't been invited, but that put everyone in the room in danger. And thinking it would ease the tension, I left the room. Just.. walked out, while everyone else had to stay. And that's just the first fuckup - I completely understand if anyone would find that intolerable."[/say] Even speaking of it brought back the shocked numbness she'd been wrapped up in. That she had spoken at all, the lack of support from everyone but Hadama, the growing dread as the Reaper just smiled at her and all courage crumbled away...
RE: the cycle ends right now - Elizabeth - 03-18-2025
Taking off her travel boots, Elizabeth tucked her legs under her as she leaned against the arm of the couch. She let out a low hum, thinking about the deeper meaning behind Maea's words, the fear that was ingrained there. Tilting her head, she asked plainly, [say]"What would be the worst-case scenario if you decided to start settling here?"[/say] Her words weren't to encourage any catastrophic thinking or panicking, but to help her process that fear and the probability of its existence.
She listened closely as Maea spoke of her relationship with Flora, nodding to convey that she was paying attention to every word. It wasn't until she began describing her run-in with Dahlia that Elizabeth let out a soft sigh. [say]"Everyone makes mistakes, yet it's different when in the spotlight because the consequences can be more dire, and people have longer memories."[/say] Every leader knew that, and it was often why they were unable to regain favor with their subjects after a fatal lapse in judgement. Often times, young leaders failed for that reason, while older, wiser, more experienced politicians tread carefully over public outings to avoid such pitfalls.
Elizabeth propped her head on her hand, her warm brown eyes scanning the Ancient. [say]"It sounds like you've recognized where the errors lay - and have a desire not to repeat them - however, it may take time for others to understand your conviction."[/say] Which meant time and consistency in showing them how she may have changed or matured from her mistake. It wasn't for the faint of heart, and it was something she was happy to discuss, but she pivoted slightly to ask, [say]"How do you feel your last conversation with Flora went?"[/say] Other than the whole 'exile' part, it might give them insight in whether there was any possibility of repairing the trust between them.
RE: the cycle ends right now - Maea - 03-19-2025
The worst case? Maea scratched the base of a horn, gingerly avoiding the braids as much as possible. [say]"I might be tempted to grow complacent,"[/say] she admitted. [say]"Changing my plans because it's what I want or need is one thing. But right now I get the feeling that staying here would be like giving up. If I settled in here and began to invest in this region, in these people, because I can't be elsewhere, I wonder if I would grow to resent it..?"[/say] Like hitting a dead end, and slowly losing her mind over the limited options, the restricted scenery, the unresolved conflict she had abandoned in the name of comfort.
Gradually, two vastly different topic began bleeding together. At the heart and root of her hesitation to settle stood a fuming young woman with hard eyes and a loud voice that steam-rollered over her, leaving no time to think or process what was happening.
[say]"I was completely run over,"[/say] Maea snorted. [say]"I was surprised, and grew defensive - and apparently I'm terribly rude when it gets like that. I thought I was calm and reasonable, but everything I said only pissed her off more. And too many things she said seemed accurate, so I ended up agreeing with her..."[/say]
Blow by blow Maea described the encounter on the docks. The accusations of being the cause for Seren's death, however indirectly, by taking up space that could have - should have? - belonged to a sister. She touched on the conflict with Astaroth, though didn't dive into any details because that was a whole session's worth of things to unpack, and recounted the incident in Frey's Breath where a disparaging mutter aimed at herself had been overheard by Flora, who wouldn't accept it had been a misunderstanding.
[say]"So, because of those things - the catastrophic meeting, the imagined insult, that I fought with her friends and for being perceived as rude, 'these words coming out of your mouth is why everyone hates you',"[/say] she cited, mimicking Flora's tone. [say]"She doesn't like me and she doesn't want me on her shores, and that's that."[/say] All this to say, Maea didn't even know where to begin arguing. Didn't have the energy to contend with the judgement, nor the desire to change the Doubletake's perception. [say]"I don't need to be loved or even liked by her. All I wanted was a chance to make amends and to really change - so I won't repeat these mistakes I keep making."[/say] The lashing out at others when she was in pain, the freezing and digging her heels in when she was put on the spot, the overbearing need to fix things for others without invitation... misplaced because what she really wanted was to see people around her happy and at ease. Because she wanted to be at ease, and ignoring a problem that could be solved went against some deeply fundamental part of her being.
RE: the cycle ends right now - Elizabeth - 03-20-2025
'Choosing' to stay in the Greatwood because it was her only option could absolutely foster resentment, yet Elizabeth didn't see any of that in Maea. She saw a woman coming into her own, taking steps to care for herself, planning; and those weren't signs of someone feeling cornered by their current situation. Humming in acknowledgement of the realistic fear, she asked, [say]"What would you do if you came to resent being here?"[/say] Sometimes just walking through the 'worst-case scenario' would help someone understand that it wasn't the end of the world.
Narrowing her eyes sympathetically, she listened to the struggles that had tainted every interaction with Flora. Perhaps it was a cross of bad luck and clashing personalities, although Elizabeth knew there were always two sides to a story. But they weren't focusing on the other side, they were focusing on Maea, and she nodded her head. [say]"That sounds like a very difficult conversation."[/say] Validating, soft, reassurance that whatever she was feeling was justified. There were many things she could address: her quick reaction to agree with whatever Flora had said, the desire to 'make amends' stemming from selfish or self-sacrificing altruism, her defensiveness. Each topic was perfectly reasonable to bring up, but she decided to start with something a little broader, curiosity pricking her mind.
Elizabeth let her warm, gentle gaze settle on Maea, tender as she asked, [say]"How did you feel when she said 'everyone hates you'?"[/say]
RE: the cycle ends right now - Maea - 03-20-2025
It wasn't so much that Maea shrugged, but rather that her shoulders traveled upwards a few notches. A gesture of tense discomfort, mirrored by the grimace that wrinkled the base of her nose.
[say]"Same thing I was doing in the Grounds, towards the end,"[/say] she replied. [say]"Which was finding excuses to be anywhere else. Running away from what bothered me, growing testy and lashing out at people... I buried myself in work so I wouldn't have to think about what I was feeling, pushing so hard that I wore myself out completely. Maybe if I'd been more honest with myself, I wouldn't have treated Astaroth the way I did. Usually I can reason myself into accepting people's varying differences, but... this time I was so caught up in how it made me feel - adding to my already growing sense of discomfort - that I didn't pause to consider his side."[/say]
Rocking back and forth for a bit, she suddenly got up and headed for the small kitchenette in a fit of restless energy. [say]"Want some tea? It's the only thing I've got to offer yet, sorry to say..."[/say] Breathing life into the hearth with a touch of magic, she drew water into a kettle and set it over the flames to heat. Despite a certain urge to clatter and slam about with cups and spoons and the fresh bag of tea leaves she had bought the previous day, she made an effort to rein in her emotions. Calm. Careful. What did it matter if she was hated or not? It didn't. It didn't, and yet...
Huffing a sigh, she shrugged again. Shorter, sharper; this time her shoulders arched, weighed down by some heavy burden. [say]"Like a confirmation?"[/say] she answered, a bit hesitant. [say]"Like... 'Ah, I knew it.' Even though I know it's not true."[/say] Hadama was evidence against it. Thalassa too. Talyson's hand on hers back in Torchline, Alys gratitude, Remi's warm embrace, Ronin's offer to join his guild, Elizabeth sitting in her living room contradicted that claim, Liam smiling to hide his concern when she declined his offer for a room in his cabin... Even though 'everyone' only extended to Flora, and Astaroth, and probably Evie and her family. Danta... she didn't know. The lack of answer to her letter suggested at the very least indifference, along the line of Melita's careless arrows - but at least the Honeybee had replied, which was confusing in itself.
For all that it was a depressing number of people to be on the bad side of, it wasn't everyone.