What do you get when two ruthless assassins raise their daughter travelling through the wildest reaches of Caido? Take one look at Theea and you'll get a pretty good idea. Cheerful and tenacious in equal measure, and curious beyond all else, she began her journey on a mission to find those her mother once called family. And find them she did, soon rubbing elbows with demigods, leaders and even ghosts from the past. Her determination is resolute, her thirst for knowledge unmatched. We can't wait to see where her next adventure takes her!
Congratulations, Theea!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
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11-02-2024, 12:41 PM (This post was last modified: 11-03-2024, 12:50 PM by Sah.)
yet my blood renders me a King
Given Safrin's dislike of Ludo, there was only one thing that felt fitting to protect his home with. Sah also wasn't a fan of the sadistic herald, so he had no issue with focusing more on the starry goddess during Ludo's season. He'd worked with jewelry, clothing, and other materials in the past, but Sah was still unsure about metalworking.
It was a surmountable obstacle, and he'd spent his morning requesting the assistance of a local blacksmith. In exchange for a fine arctic fox skin, the man had been more than willing to give the hybrid a crash course on the basics of working with steel. After a bit of time testing his idea with scrap metal, the hybrid felt confident enough to complete his objective. With a final thanks, he headed home.
Arriving home as the sun began to set, the Wild Thunder got to work creating twine, nails, and small metal stars with his magic. The stars all had a small nail-sized hole at the top of one of their tips. A lantern hung from the top of the porch, casting warm light on the forming stars. After some time and a break for hot chocolate, Sah had a nice pile of materials to work with.
Taking a nail, he hammered it into the column at the front of his door, and then, with twine wrapped through the hole of the first star, he hung it in place. Stepping back, Sah nodded to himself. Perfect. Glancing down, he eyed the pile with a grin. One down and many to go.
Sah
Minor powerplay allowed without permission. Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him.
Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30) Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded
Though Hadama was rarely in Halo these days, he had new powers to stretch, and a fellow devotee of Safrin to check in with after their previous journey together to the Greatwood. He had arrived at the skyport and, upon leaving the building, soon found a couple of the ubiquitous vampire gourds rolling down the street. He watched in bemusement as they chased a ningo and then shook his head before asking for directions.
The hunter was well-known in Halo, and he easily learned of Sah's address. Though it was dark in spite of the early evening hour, there were plenty of lanterns lit along the main streets and the stars shone brightly overhead. Hadama paused as he saw a familiar head of dark hair standing outside, hammering something into his door frame. He watched a moment and then approached on quiet feet. Booted and wearing his parka, he was still remarkably quiet for a man of his size before he spoke.
Sah's head snapped up at the surprising use of his full name. He'd heard quiet footsteps and had assumed it was just one of his neighbors passing by. His eyes met Hadama's before a grin stretched across his face. "Hadama, it's good to see you. What brings you to Halo?" Finishing up hanging the star he was hanging, the hybrid turned to fully focus on the conversation.
The question was a fair one, and Sah gestured to the stars and materials pile beside him, "I'm hanging some metal stars on my porch. It felt more fitting than burning sage or spreading salt." Sah grimaced, "I'm not Ludo's biggest fan so I doubt that they'd even work if I did."His dislike of Ludo was a trait he was sure Safrin approved of. Mort's herald had a terrible tendency to hurt the people that the Wild Thunder loved, and it created a grudge that would likely never cease.
Sah
Minor powerplay allowed without permission. Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him.
Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30) Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded
"You do," the Tidebreaker answered, inclining his head in greeting to the Wild Thunder. Emerald eyes gleamed bright and warm within the serene stoicism of his expression. He looked with curiosity and approval on the star-shaped decorations now that he could see them, and it piqued his interest even more. He stepped closer, listening to the explanation, and tilting his head curiously. "Burning sage and spreading salt... to what purpose?" If the stars were simply for decoration they were still lovely, but the other actions that Sah mentioned baffled the former-Mer. For all that he had legs at will now, he still remained King of the Merfolk and spent a great deal of time in the Underwater City. Setting specific leaves on fire was as confusing as adding more salt to the sea to him.
He quirked a brow at Sah for permission before lifting one of the little metal stars to examine more closely, running his thumb lightly over the hairpin turns and welding spots with professional - if silent - consideration. He had noticed a number of candles and lanterns in the windows of homes on his way over, but it was dark enough that he had thought it simply a matter of spreading light in a dark season.
Sah blinked before a slightly confused but warm look came to his face, "Oh?" He gave the Demi-god a once over. He seemed unharmed and relaxed, so it likely wasn't an emergency. "Is there something that I can help with?" His current project could easily be postponed if Hadama needed him.
The hybrid chuckled, "Well... apparently, this time of year, you're supposed to take certain actions to protect your home from wayward spirits. I have no idea if it's necessary or if it works. But it's a festive tradition nonetheless." He nodded, giving Hadama easy permission to inspect the stars. "Burning sage, spreading salt, or hanging lanterns are more common efforts." The Outlander had been equally baffled by the traditions when he first came to Caido.
Picking up another star, Sah set about hammering and hanging it near the first one. He tilted his head at the Demid-god, "You're welcome to join me if you'd like. I can also grab you a cup of hot chocolate. It's the perfect drink for a cold night if you like chocolate." His own mug sat mostly finished on the banister.
Sah
Minor powerplay allowed without permission. Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him.
Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30) Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded
The Tidebreaker inclined his head in acknowledgment of Sah's courtesy, but there was a twinkle of warm amusement in his eyes as he met the Wild Thunder's gaze again. "I wanted to check on you," he explained. "After our visit to the Greatwood. And see how you are adjusting to your new shapes." To ensure that the young man had taken no harm from the trip, though nothing had outright attacked them.
As he studied the stars, Sah explained their purpose and Hadama nodded in understanding. "I prefer the stars, too," he confirmed, emerald gaze bright with kinship for a fellow follower of Safrin. Large hands with gentle fingers turned the star they held once more before he began to look for a nail to suspend it from. "I will, thank you." His murmured acceptance of the offer to join in the holiday cheer was followed by a ghost of a smile lifting the corners of his mouth upwards a touch. "And hot chocolate would be welcome."
Sah's head tilted, surprised at the concern even as it warmed him. His eyes softened as he nodded, "I'm well, thank you. And yourself?" As for his shifts, the Wild Thunder's smile turned a bit mischievous. "I've somehow already acquired two more shifts. A raven and a fyrhund." He'd been under the impression that such things usually took more time. Next time he had bizarre dreams, he'd write them down. The emergence of his newest shifts had been predated by a dream of wind in black wings and stone paws against the backdrop of the Climb.
As Hadama began hanging the stars, Sah nodded and quickly retrieved a cup of hot chocolate for the Demi-god, his own mug in hand for a refill. He'd made a large enough batch earlier in case the twins wanted any later. He'd make more if they asked. Once both mugs were filled with the molten chocolate, he returned to Hadama and held out a mug. "Here. It's pretty hot, so be careful." The Wild Thunder was rather proud of his hot chocolate. He'd perfected it over the years since coming to Caido and had yet to hear any complaints.
Taking a swig, the hybrid let out a satisfied sigh before placing his mug down to hang another star.
Sah
Minor powerplay allowed without permission. Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him.
Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30) Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded
With every evidence that the hunter had made it home with no ill effects from the Greatwood in front of him, it was still a relief to hear it confirmed and Hadama inclined his head to show his appreciation of the reassurance. "I am unharmed," he assured the Wild Thunder in return, a rumbled murmur before Sah answered his other query. Though he was surprised to hear how quickly the young man's abilities were expanding his expression remained serene as he examined the star in his hand, and he gave him a warm and approving glance. "Perhaps it is a sign of Safrin's favor."That, at least, did not surprise him. Sah had seemed to be one of her more devout followers since Hadama had met the man, and he was living proof of how well the goddess rewarded loyalty.
He searched for the most aesthetically pleasing place to hang the star, his height making it easy to lightly tap a small nail in above a window frame to let the decoration hang in front of the glass. It would hopefully prove to have a warding effect against the spirits of the season. He placed two more while Sah retrieved their drinks and then took a break to accept his gratefully. "Thank you." Large hands cradled the steaming mug, the calluses on them providing some protection from the heat. He blew the steam away from the top before taking a careful sip to play over his tongue as he appreciated the flavors. "It is excellent," he decreed, a pleased sigh of his own escaping to mingle with the steam of the drink. He allowed himself a few more sips before setting it aside to rejoin the Wild Thunder, offering his height when Sah wished to hang some stars higher up.
"Do you have other Leafchange traditions in Halo?" he asked curiously.
Sah's lips twitched, "I hope so." He'd known on some level that Safrin approved of him to a degree. She wouldn't have asked for his loyalty if she didn't. But the former Abandoned had never truly believed that he had her favor. Not until now when his very soul rang with the proof of it.
As Hadama enjoyed his hot chocolate, the hybrid grinned, "I'm glad. Feel free to ask for seconds. I still have some in the pot."
The two returned to hanging the stars and Sah was amused as Hadama used his height to assist him. He didn't have the heart to remind the man that he had telekinesis when the Demi-god was being so considerate. With a tilt of his head, the Wild Thunder adjusted one of the stars that he'd just placed as he considered Hadama's question.
"There aren't any other major ones. But preparation for Deepfrost is a beast all its own. There are extra hunting expeditions that take place as the citizens stock up for the coldest season. Not many are able to go out onto the Tundra during Deepfrost so they have get the bulk of any provisions beforehand." Hunters like himself, however, who could still venture out and bring back meat, were in high demand. Sah was always ready and willing to go out and catch dinner or extra furs for one of his neighbors if they were running low during the darker nights.
Sah
Minor powerplay allowed without permission. Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him.
Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30) Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded
"I will have more when we have finished working." A solemn vow, though the seriousness of his tone was somewhat ruined by the crinkled corners of his eyes and the silent laughter they hid. He might have set aside his gourmand ambitions to focus on his role as King, but Hadama was still a foodie at heart.
He stepped back to consider the stars that were already hanging, measuring by sight the distance between them and how even their spread was so far. He listened to Sah's explanation of the season in Halo, giving a slow nod of understanding before he chose another silvery decoration to add a little further down. "Mmh. I miss the protection against the cold," he admitted. "How is the Academy?" He missed the lessons and the camaraderie with his fellow students of magic, too, though he would not trade Safrin's gifts for anything.
Meanwhile...
The stars were all hung by the windows with care, in hopes that their goddess soon would be there.
Their chiming and gleaming kept spirits at bay, all through the night and the short Leafchange day.
And though Halo's winds blew with the promise of snow, each star warmed the dark with its silvery glow.
Sah's lips twitched as he nodded sharply, "Good." He'd hold the King to his vow and send him home with a fresh cup.
"Evie has been rather busy, understandably. We haven't had a formal training in a while, but there have been some small ones between the members." Between a baby and being Warden, Evie had a lot on her plate. She was an easy one to admire. The Wild Thunder had been enjoying the smaller trainings, though. There were so many Abandoned who were only just coming into their magic and training with them was enlightening and fulfilling. It was a new way of putting his proficiency and experience to use. Bettering another's magic and helping them find joy and confidence in their abilities was wonderful.
With the last of the stars hung, Sah was content to sip his hot chocolate and focus on the Demi-god. The two conversed for some time as the moon continued its trek across the night sky. Eventually, however, Hadama needed to retire for the evening, so with a mug of hot chocolate to go, Sah bid him goodnight.
-[FIN]
Sah
Minor powerplay allowed without permission. Feel free to use force/magic on Sah without killing him.
Magic: Cold Resistance (Passive) | Can comfortably exist in temperatures as low as -45c. Will experience colder temperatures as if they were -30c cooler (i.e., -60 would feel like -30) Type: Grey | Rank: Upgraded
