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Character of the Season
From Attuned to Ascended to Ancient, Kiada Njovu-Reyes has been reborn several times throughout her short life, but her fighting spirit has never once been diminished. With beauty, grace and a quick wit, Kiada is the whole package wrapped in an infectious smile. Recent endeavours have found her in the heart of the Hollowed Grounds, aiding the region and bettering it for her new Ancient kin, and whatever she does next, we know it's sure to pack a punch.
Congratulations, Kiada!
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!
There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.
The peryton's ability to be stealthy just told her even more about the creature who instead chose to flutter manically and scream when the opportunity presented itself. Elizabeth smiled politely, but decided she'd prefer not to spend much time with the creature. With that thought, she noticed Belial had disappeared as she went to grab a bundle. Contrary to her original thoughts, not being able to see or hear the animal made her senses peak in anticipation of antics. She glanced around to spot the antlers or wings but saw nothing.
Cautiously, she took the supplies and placed them next to Deimos's by the door, her eyes scanning for any signs of the peryton. Without having been interrupted, she walked back to the Warden's side, laughing nervously. "I see what you mean."
As they proceeded, Elizabeth - rarely content to walk in silence - used the chance to ask Deimos, "How did you meet your wife?" She found that romance usually softened people and she hoped it might do the same with Deimos, giving her a better idea of who he was hiding behind the tough exterior. There was also a level of genuine curiosity about what kind of woman had captured his attention.
Elizabeth’s polite smile said it all, and Deimos had to choke down a sudden bout of laughter threatening to emerge. Perhaps it said more about him, or others, who had learned to tolerate Belial’s feats of bedlam. Moments later, as if prompted entirely to mess with the Abandoned, his wings unfurled as he remained curled along the sled, as if he’d been visible and tangible the entire time. Instead of embarking into chuckles, the Sword gave the peryton a wry look, and then he was pulling the vessel once more, as they rambled further down the street.
While Zuriel trotted alongside, perhaps with some untethered energy, he hadn’t expected Elizabeth’s prompting inquiry, but snorted, allowing another smile to reach his face on the subject of Evie. Were this the same soldier from years before, he would've remained entirely muted on it; but there was no secret of their love for one another - not with marriage and a child. “We met while she was practicing throwing knives, when we were all still locked within the Grounds.” For neither Sword nor Evergreen would ever be matched with weak-willed or compliant individuals; both resolute figures in different capacities. Still, it probably wouldn’t surprise the newcomer that either of them would be drawn into weaponry. “I helped improve her practice,” with a juvenile, boyish wrinkle to his nose; as it had been just that. “But we were friends for years after.” Caido had its way with multitudes of separations – whether it be through disappearances into Wilds, sicknesses, wars…Evie’s return and her letter to him while he was still General here had been enough to ensure her safety and threshold within Halo. Thereafter had been their own contented pathway.
There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.
Out of her peripheral, she noticed the wings reappear out of nowhere, seeming to solidify out of the air. Deimos didn't even flinch, just shooting the peryton a look. Elizabeth had to remind herself that this must be common behavior, shifting in and out of visibility like it's no big deal. It still made her keep her distance from the sleigh, determined only to approach when grabbing supplies.
Luckily, she got to witness the Warden's expressions soften at the topic of his wife. He obviously held an abundance of love for the woman. Elizabeth gave him an admiring look, hoping that on day someone might talk about her in the same manner, their eyes lighting up with love and adoration. The couple's meeting circumstances didn't surprise her. Deimos didn't seem like the kind of man to fall for the 'damsel in distress' type. If he had found Evie throwing knives, then Elizabeth had no doubt that she was more than capable of handling herself. Add in the fact that they'd been friends before they became partners just sweetened the image she had of their relationship.
Elizabeth gave Deimos a sweet smile. "That's beautiful. She must be incredible. I hope to meet her someday." It was more unlikely for her not to meet the woman, but she held the same sentiments nonetheless. Maybe Evie could even teach her a thing or two about being a strong woman in Halo.
As they came upon the next house, she developed a little skip to her steps, happy to be talking about love and relationships. Tilting her head slightly, she leaned further into the topic. "When did your relationship change? How did you know that your feelings for each other had gone past friendship?" Books and other couples often claimed there was a pivotal 'moment' when they realized that they loved their partner as more than a friend. Sometimes it was an intimate moment. Others noticed it when they were threatened to be separated. Fewer still knew the entire time. Elizabeth wondered what category Deimos had found himself in.
The second house was much like the initial – though with less steps and a larger porch. Smirking, then scratching the top of Belial’s head as he went to grab the next bundle of wood, he hadn’t expected compliments from Elizabeth, but nodded and smiled at them regardless. “Thank you. And she is.” If the therapist kept her roots immersed in Halo long enough, she’d be certain to meet the Evergreen; they were in a similar field of mending and soothing. “She heals as well.” They could likely have multitudes of insightful conversations, given the multitudes of occupations.
Stride elongating to place the parcel of timber on the doorstep, he nearly snorted at the next inquiry. There were a number of responses he could’ve gone with; the quiet contentment with one another, the increasingly irritating and annoying bouts of mischief, the familiarity and comfort, the strength and serenity, the blend of shared histories, pondering over which would unfurl first – but he wasn’t going to give those over so readily to someone who was a stranger. Arching a brow, his stare, though not menacing or brutal, would indicate he wasn’t giving over those distinctions. “I will keep those answers for her.” He smiled, to show he wasn’t bothered, offended, or cross, but also not eager to readily share such information.
There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.
She followed Deimos as she picked up the next bundle of supplies to drop off. Elizabeth was excited at the prospect of meeting the woman, especially if they could talk shop, and she kept a lightness to her steps. The healing of others was always a topic she was happy to discuss. Smiling mischievously, she said, "Sounds like we'll get along great!"
Deimos was obviously thinking about a lot about her question even as he declined to answer. Recognizing a boundary when she saw one, Elizabeth smiled in respect at his words. "I look forward to it." It just gave her another topic to bring up when she eventually met the other Warden. After all, women were usually more open about the topic.
Trying to find a way to keep the conversation going, she asked, "Who are we delivering to?" At each stop, she wondered what kind of people lived within. What did they look like? What were their professions? What were their dreams?
He gave another smile at the indication of meeting Evie, nodding his head. “She runs the Academy too,” jaw jutting and gesturing in the direction of the massive building. Uncertain if that was something Elizabeth would be interested in, he still left it up in the air, and then continued placing the logs in bundles upon the steps.
The next inquiry was far easier to answer, and he quirked another grin back at the family’s door. “Havershams. They run one of the bakeries. Older couple, very kind.” Halo went hand in hand with support; such individuals made up the community, with their endless work ethic extending to the rest of the population – so Deimos always intended on doing his part and ensuring they were comfortable. Walking back to the sled, once they’d dropped off the rest of the intended parcels, his head tilted vaguely. “They make wonderful pies.” Waiting for another segment of questions sure to follow, he began dragging the sled again, to the last portion of this particular route.
