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.
OG Skinning provided by Kaons, with functionality and many custom plugins made by Neowulf!
Needing a break from the snow, Elizabeth was taking full advantage of being able to feel warm again. Even as Longheat was already halfway gone, she couldn't miss the opportunity to seek out the unicorns again. Now that she could enjoy and study them without the incessant ringing distracting her, it was the perfect time to do so. With any hope, she wouldn't run into anyone collecting their poop again. That had been... strange. To start her search, Elizabeth decided that a wish was in order. If she dreamt about unicorns, maybe she would get lucky and spot one without too much effort!
Stepping up to the well, she admired the way the colored stones inside reflected the sunlight, sparkling brilliantly down into the darkness. According to her parents (the ultimate authority on everything history and myth), she just had to toss a shiny pebble in. Elizabeth had kept her eyes peeled on the way to the well, serendipitously spotting a small piece of quartz, smooth on all sides, shining amongst the grass. If her most recent shrine visit was excluded, Elizabeth would almost call herself lucky! Smiling to herself, she placed her hands on the edge of the opening and watched the pebble flip through the air down into the abyss, her thoughts casting out her wish.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
Lena had a mission associated with unicorns in mind too – and without any currently in the Celestine, she set adrift across lands and regions on wings, basket in talons, and Mittens at her side. Even with her silver and rosy, pink depiction, she didn’t consider herself too noticeable or distinct, and so they set out without too much worry, concern, or trepidation; if she was fortunate enough, she’d be able to spot a herd from on high, and go from there.
As luck would have it, she could see a small band behind a gentle, rolling knoll, and so once she was in closer proximity, she opted to land near a landmark – a large well – before realizing someone else already occupied it, and it was a particular legendary apparatus too. Had she not been on an errand, she'd be doing much the same.
Shifting immediately, and not wanting to scare the other woman, especially when she seemed to be concentrating on the stone fixture, she gave a small and brief utterance. “Hello there!” Hitching her basket higher along her shoulder and already trying to tether Mittens to her grasp, because the snowball was going to screech any moment, the Caretaker offered a smile too. “Sorry to bother you – this happened to be a safe area to land.” Without bothering the herd anyway.
A slight fluttering of wings had Elizabeth glancing up as a woman shifted nearby. Although the appearance of a new person was enough to draw her attention, the abominable snowball next to her monopolized her gaze, curiosity at the creature that she suspected was a companion. Perhaps she'd see if the woman would answer some questions about the unique animal.
She gave her a warm, friendly smile in return, shaking her head lightly. "Oh no! You're not bothering me at all. I was just out searching for some unicorns and decided to make a stop." Stepping away from the well, Elizabeth brushed her hands down her dress, flattening any wrinkles as she made her way into a more comfortable speaking range. A polite wave accompanied her introduction, "I'm Elizabeth."
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
The Caretaker was relieved to hear she hadn’t disturbed anyone’s peace and sanctity, for the moment, and gave another brief smile in return. “Oh – we’re in luck then! I’m doing the same thing.” Perhaps she’d found a fellow unicorn enthusiast. As introductions passed along, she reflected similar actions, shaking the stranger’s hand and committing the name to memory. “Nice to meet you. I’m Lena. I’m the Caretaker of the Celestine in Stormbreak.” Whether or not the other woman had heard of the place mattered very little – for there was much to be done.
Hitching her bag higher on her shoulder again, and expecting Mittens to follow while it glared at Elizabeth (perhaps deciding how to respond or what to do on its own accord), she began walking quietly towards the knoll. “I saw a small herd over this hill as I was flying over,” she whispered. “I figured I could get to the top and watch them from there.” Which meant the Abandoned was welcome to join.
To hear that the woman was doing the same thing felt like a weird swing of fate, bringing an excited smile to her face. And Elizabeth was in fact familiar with the Celestine and its multitudes of wildlife. Her eyes lit again, and she nodded her head enthusiastically. "That's amazing! I've heard only great things, so I suppose that's thanks to your hard work."
It was strange to see a snowball glare at her, making Elizabeth tilt her head in further curiosity at the creature, paying close attention to its mannerisms to write down later. Humming, she followed behind as they made their way towards the crest of the hill. "Mmmm. Smart."
The knoll was small, and it didn't take long for them to reach the top, the expanse of meadow below them opening in lush greenery. Small patches of flowers budded throughout the grasses and bright green trees created a perimeter around the field. The shining sunlight caught the white hides of a herd of grazing unicorns, causing Elizabeth to smile excitedly, unconsciously grasping her chest at the sight. "Aren't they just magnificent?"
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
“And Frey,” to which she winked, always ready to compliment her favored herald. Then they were maneuvering along the grass, careful not to startle the creatures over the knoll, and the Attuned was content to see the herd sprawled across the valley of green. Slow motions guaranteed several looked her way, ears twitching, but her calm composure and reassurance over bonds of animals meant they soon didn’t even bother, and she was allowed to snag her notebook again.
While Mittens continued to hover mulishly over Lena’s shoulder, she nodded at Elizabeth. “They’re wonderful. I get a few of them in the Celestine from time to time – often the ones with speed, rather than healing.” For obvious reasons – she figured the equines took care of one another when they could.
Nodding her head in the direction of a few nestled together, a long-legged mare seemed to be approaching the bundling of foals lying in the glade. “See, like there. Something must have happened.” Could’ve been amidst anything; predators, the wrong angle of an errant jump, a stumble, a trip, a hazardous fall. But it must not have mattered – for the unicorn bent her head, and the horn pressed upon one of the babes, emitting a small and brief glow.
Elizabeth didn't comment about Frey, being quite comfortable in her status as an ignored (perhaps even 'despised'?) Abandoned. However, she didn't withhold a polite smile at the quip as they walked together towards their destination. She wasn't one to discourage religion and all.
She listened to Lena, considering the scientific importance of her words and what that implied about the culture amongst the creatures. "That makes sense. I've only seen a few. I had to contain myself when I met Deimos's companion. It was beautiful." And very obviously too dignified to be bothered with her attentions. At least the wild equines didn't seem to mind the stares as they went about their day.
Eyes widening in wonder, Elizabeth could barely speak as the unicorn approached the young babes. The glow was like iridescent starlight sparkling out from its horn and over the foal. As much as she wanted to stop and take notes about the interaction, her eyes were glued to the scene that played out before them.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
Lena half-wondered if these herds were simply used to the gawking – or too aware of their powers to even be bothered with humans nearby. A multitude of ears pricked and swiveled each time one of the women spoke, but none of them seemed to mind, and kept perusing through blades of grass. “It’s so wonderful that they offer to be companions,” she murmured, wholeheartedly enthused by the healing spectacle. She even took to drawing the lightness of the glow on her sketch, jotting down details in quick succession.
And then the foal was up, gangly legs and all, as the elder had healed them. With a few gallivanting snorts and leaps, it bounded around the herd, impressed with either itself or content that it had been assuaged. The older mare seemed to continue approaching the youths, healing and mending from whatever had ailed.
The unicorns didn't seem to mind the women's presence, but Elizabeth still tried to be respectful of the creatures, keeping her movements calm and her voice low as they spoke of companions. "I know. Maybe one day. If I can convince the gods not to hate me." Despite the melancholy start, she gave Lena a playful look, not too broken up about not being the gods' 'favorite'. Although, she was sure that the Attuned probably wouldn't understand how that felt.
She settled herself onto the grass, content to watch them, dreaming about one day doing more. The young foal's energy made her smile. If only everyone could have such joy and appreciation for good health. It had her feeling grateful for her own lack of physical ailments or curses for the time being.
Glancing at the shifting of paper and writing utensils, she caught a look at Lena's rendition of the healing unicorns. "You're really good at that. Do you draw a lot?"
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
The words did direct Lena’s attention, her gaze softening a little. Not in pity, nor in complete understanding – Abandoned hadn’t been welcome in Stormbreak before Sohalia altered things, and while the Caretaker had never found fault in the magic-users, the prejudice from deities was still there all the same. She’d heard of quite a few who’d still found prayer and sanctity, through trial, error, and persistence, so she smiled in turn. “You can always bring friends with you to shrines,” if she knew the right ones – winking slightly. She’d done much the same with Koa and Zavien on their latest expedition. “And I’ve heard of others gaining companions without the need of gods. Sometimes it’s simply the right place at the right time.” and spending MP.
Sketching more, and hoping that alleviated some concern, she took to several little bits of forelock for detail, listening as the youths continued their rampaging around their elders, most of them settling. A few tails flicked every now and then from a bug, and the contentment persisted, continued, quiet and serene. The question didn’t even give her much of a pause, though she did glance back at Elizabeth with another small smile. “Thank you – and only when I get a chance. I’ve been trying to take notes on each creature I come across, in case they ever come into the Celestine.” Then she might have a better notion of temperaments, ideals, and treatments. “What’s your occupation?”
Her mood hadn't really darkened, so the laughter came easily at Lena's wink. "That was the same suggestion someone else gave me. I guess it's good advice." Maybe she'd have to hit up the Mer King to accompany her at some point. Safrin hadn't responded the first time, but having the goddess's big strong demigod at her side might just change her mind.
It sounded similar to her own notes on relationships. It was like meeting a kindred spirit. Elizabeth gave her an admiring smile. "That's really smart. Maybe you should write a book with all your drawings and observations in them. I'm sure people would find it really helpful. It might even help bring awareness to any struggling species."
Then the topic was turning to her, causing Elizabeth to tilt her head nonchalantly. "Me? I'm a therapist. Counseling, couple's sessions, physical therapy, whatever people need." Talking about her profession brought another smile to her face and a twinkle to her eyes. "If you know of anyone, feel free to send them my way." Shrugging her shoulders, she tried not to get too excited at the idea of new clients (since that usually scared people off), instead turning her head back to the unicorns as each foal became healed.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
Sketching along, watching Elizabeth out of the corner of her eye for the moment, she allowed a smile again. “Was there any herald in particular you wanted to see?” Some were staunch and devout towards one, others not at all, and for Abandoned, Lena was never really certain. Especially if one had tried, without any results; she imagined it could be disheartening.
As for book potentials, her gaze widened, and she stifled a laugh. “Goodness, that’d be quite an accomplishment. Maybe when I can find more hours in the day,” and she winked again, to show she wasn’t bothered or rattled by the notions, but perhaps the overwhelming amount of instances it could take. “I’m really intrigued by the newest additions to the Climb. Have you seen any?”
While the foals marauded and the elders of the herd ate, the semblances of professions had her expression even more enamored and amused. “You must be busy!” Given the state of so many within Caido, the Caretaker figured there’d be ample amounts at Elizabeth’s door – the horrors never truly ceased, save for brief respites of peace after the latest war. She could already think of several likely in need. “Where are you located?”
"I've been inclined to seek out Safrin since I met one of her demigods, but last time I went, some nasty spirits took my prayer to her as an invitation to rip the warmth form my body." Mentioning the curse still gave her chills at the memory, but it made her all the more grateful for the heat, letting her head fall back to soak up the sunlight. "I haven't decided if or when I'll try again, or who I'll pray to." Maybe she'd just flip a coin when she got there.
On the topic of books (her favorite), Elizabeth wasn't really surprised that Lena didn't have the time. With the responsibility of the Celestine, she was impressed the woman left Stormbreak at all. "Well, if you are ever interested, I'd love to help. I have too much free time on my hands, and I'd be happy to organize or rewrite your notes if that would make things easier. Although, you'd still have to do all the drawings. I'm not very skilled in any of the 'arts.'" Not dance, or singing, or painting, or drawing, or acting, or anything of the sorts. Her skills had landed firmly in the 'scholar' category like her parents.
She frowned slightly at the lack of information she could provide before answering, "I actually haven't been out to the Climb a lot, and when I have, I haven't seen much wildlife. But I'll keep my eyes peeled next time I go; and try to jot down some notes for you." They'd probably be more along the lines of what she found interesting, but if she was already there, she might as well lend a hand.
Laughing at the idea of so many clients, Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. "Sometimes!" Watching the foals again, she said, "I have my office in Halo, where I live, but I travel to clients all over Caido. Not everyone enjoys the cold, and I like to be convenient for people." She gave Lena a warm smile, a glimpse of her willingness to go beyond to help others through their mental struggles.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Mastered Item:
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Mastered
La Verbena | A personal skyboat (schooner) capable of travelling at 2x wagon speeds over most types of terrain. Can accommodate 2 people onboard during flight.
Ah; that Elizabeth had been cursed made a whole lot more sense now. Her eyes widened sharply, concern knitted through her brow. “That’s unfortunate. I’m sorry to hear you went through that.” Especially through no inclination of her own; which had always bothered the Caretaker most about the racist overtures. Not many of them could alter the way they’d been born; and to harbor ill will against an entire race for one monstrosity was harsh and unrelenting. And it was awful to think it was still going on, in some stakes, along the shrines. “Definitely bring some friends along next time then.”
At the offer, her head perked up – the celestial zoo readily had its bout of intrigued individuals and welcome volunteers, amongst her assistants, but she hadn’t been offered sentiments in organizing notes or journal entries. “If you ever want to come to the Celestine, you’re more than welcome.” Elizabeth might be daunted by some of the milder stacks, but she could certainly try.
Nodding at the sentiments of the Climb, Lena wondered if it was just something she’d have to do on her constant journeys back and forth to the springs. “That’s all right, and thank you. Maybe I can peruse some more the next time I head to Frey’s Breath.”
While the foals continued to play and harass their elders, the Attuned listened to locations of therapist regimes; all the eager to pass the messages and particulars along. “Halo is beautiful though – but I understand if others don’t share the sentiment.” She laughed; overly fond of the Greenwing and its sprawling frost foxes. “If I hear anyone is interested, I’ll send them your way.”
