Click here for a list of weather descriptions, seasonal festivals, and a real time:site time conversion.
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.
There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.
"Oh! I'd actually been meaning to head over there!" She recalled visiting the Academy once during her visits. It had been like a dream to see all the books in the library along with all the other magic users reveling in their abilities. Elizabeth had been starstruck with wonder, always hoping to join the collaborative academic environment.
Setting her own bundle down, she glanced at the building, picturing the Havershams as a cute older couple with warms smiles and even warmer hugs. Despite having just had her coffee, her mouth watered at the mention of pies. She hummed in appreciation and sniffed the air as if the sweet scent of flaky crust might be present. "What fillings do they use?" Elizabeth looked over her shoulder as she walked back to the sled, half-wishing that a pie would appear at the doorstep.
As they proceeded down the street. she tilted her head to the overcast sky, worried that she may have taken up too much of Deimos's busy time. Giving him a concerned smile, she asked, "Did I pull you away from any important plans for the afternoon?"
Nodding at the potential visits towards the Academy, he turned and directed sled back towards the barracks, where he could either replenish the wood or hasten after the soldiers. He wasn’t surprised to hear the intrigue behind the pies, and he didn’t smother his laugh this time. “Many kinds, but they tend towards fruit varieties.” Now his own inclinations were wandering towards picking one up for home later, a treat after a hard day’s labor and work.
He snorted at her insinuation and concern, mostly because he was using this as an opportunity to avoid the missives collecting on his desk, and likely the intention of multiple meetings later. “No. I had to do this anyway,” and his jaw jutted towards the sled. “I have letters and spars to attend to next.” Tilting his head, because he was nosey and curious and forever inclined towards defenses and armaments, he barraged with his own inquiry. “Do you have experience with any weapons?” Or her utilizing her own magic for protective purposes – given how Caido had come to be nowadays?
There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.
"That sounds divine." Elizabeth's mind continued to drift to the delicious pies and how they would taste in her salivating mouth, even as she followed Deimos down the street, still trying to keep her distance from the peryton. It was comforting to know that she hadn't taken him from any other Warden duties.
At the question of weapons, she flexed her hand as if imagining the impact of sparring. She didn't hold any delusions that she would be able to hold her own in the ring. With a light laugh at the thought, she shrugged her shoulders to readjust her shawl. "Not really. My parents were more scholars than fighters." They had been too focused on their interests and curiosities to worry about their physical safety. Luckily, their naivety was rarely challenged. Although, being a curious young child, Elizabeth had found her way into a few local training sessions. Tilting her head at the memories, she said, "I did develop some rudimentary skills with a staff though." The long, blunt weapon had allowed her to focus on speed and momentum while maintaining her distance. She hadn't picked one up in years and she wondered if the muscle memory still remained. Her magic, on the other hand, wasn't much use in combat yet. The light tingle of electricity ran under her skin but did little more than tickle.
Since she had no doubt about his experience with weapons, she didn't reflect his question back, instead asking, "What's your preferred weapon? Or magic?"
Belial popped up from the sled and hooted again in Elizabeth’s direction, perhaps because he knew he was being an unruly and annoying git, but with one look from Deimos he went back down amidst the wide open space. Shaking his head, he gave Zuriel a glance in which both man and unicorn seemed inclined to agree on irritating perytons, before they continued down the road.
He wasn’t surprised to hear of the therapist’s lack of experience, it was far more common in Caido than anywhere else he’d lived. Where he’d been expected to live and breathe fortitudes and might, others hadn’t been exposed to such notions, and he had to wonder which was better amidst the alternatives. Maybe it didn’t matter – his existence paralleled hundreds more who willingly protected and shielded, ensuring the majority didn’t have to. “Nothing wrong with that,” he gave in a half-hearted shrug; his mother had been more the scholarly type as well. Sagacity, knowledge, and information were their own brands of advantages. “And staffs can be quite effective,” giving another crooked smile, mind processing hordes of times he’d beaten fellow warriors with the armament.
His brows arched and rose not to an insignificant degree at her inquiry, smothering a laugh threatening underneath – when one had been built as a weapon, there might not have been a preference at all. “The sword,” first and foremost; hence his monicker and known title. “But my magic is dependent on the situation.” There were some as old and familiar as the marrow in his bones; like life drain, and others passed down from lineages, like the flames and the rivulets of water stoked in his veins, that gave wondrous reminders of those long gone. “My favorites would probably be fire and life drain though. Yours?”
