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!
Down and out, and out of luck, we're spinning but the needle's stuck
"I'm glad you like it," she murmured, smiling softly as Remi inspected the gift. As he handed over the second glass to Ronin, Maea's gaze followed and she watched his expression for a reaction. "I saw them and thought of you... and I really wanted to express how grateful I am. To you both." Not only for returning her to life, but for the steadfast friendship they both offered, no matter that she had managed to make a mess of so many things in the past year.
Even now their presence buoyied her. Maea could feel eyes on her, was all too keenly aware of a couple in particular swirling around the dance floor that she wished to avoid if possible. But as long as she was wrapped up in conversation it felt... alright. Like the night might not be as dark as it could have been.
And it really was a pleasure to watch the finely wrought wine glasses glisten and catch the light like unmelting ice in hands of men who deserved more beauty in their lives. Gods knew, literally, they had been through enough already.
-500 MP Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
-500 MP Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
Type: Grey | Style: Offensive | Level: Basic
Tentacle Rod | An enchanted rod ending in three writhing tentacles. Outside of combat, the tentacles have a tend
Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
Skyboat | A small schooner capable of travelling to adjacent boards. Travels at the same speed as a wagon/pleasure boat.
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000)
Skipping 1 x level 6 requirement for 600MP
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000).
Skipping for a Level 10 requirement.
Ronin's eyes widen, not just at the sight of Maea but at the fact that she comes bearing gifts, the Knight watching in awe as the glasses are revealed. "They really are lovely," he echoes his husband's sentiments - and his modesty too, as it happens. "Remi is right, though - you don't owe us anything. I'm just glad to see you alive and well," he assures her, though he reaches out to pick up one of the glasses by the stem, holding it to the firelight to watch it twinkle.
"If I didn't know better I'd think these really were carved from ice. I'd have to be careful not to leave them anywhere too hot." Smirking and lowering it back into the box, he carefully re-wraps the present to ensure it doesn't break, fingers brushing over the dried flowers. "How have things been for you?" he asks.
Down and out, and out of luck, we're spinning but the needle's stuck
Waving off the assurances that no debt was owed, Maea hummed in amusement, a spark coming into her eyes. Seeing their reactions was reason enough for gifts, if they really didn't want repayment. "If they do melt, let me know. I was told they were made with only the best materials - I might get a refund." Not to mention an excuse to try some glass-making of her own. Ever since she'd watched Hotaru ply her trade there had been an itch to give it a whirl, though as usual a lack of confidence had gotten in the way. At the very least she ought to be able to make something to hold liquid, though the craftsmanship of the glasses would take years to achieve.
Tucking her hands into her sleeves, the short woman shrugged lightly at the question. Eyeing the table laden with food and treats, she kept her tone even - not in the mood to get into detail on her state of mind on a night that was supposed to be fun. "Not too bad. The time away has helped me get my feet on the ground again... I think it helped, at least. Some friends have been scolding me for the silence... though I think we've talked it through for now. Lately... I'm thinking of what to do with myself." Dying had a way of shifting ones priorities. For all that she still enjoyed delving into old books and scrolls in search if history, the Grounds felt less and less like the home it once had been. "Possibly I might take Remi's advice and move."
Giving in to the temptation, she reached for a plate laden with dried fruit and filched a handful of what might be peaches. It tasted like courage as she bit into the pruned up flesh, sticky sweet and heartening. "What have you been up to?"
-500 MP Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
-500 MP Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
Type: Grey | Style: Offensive | Level: Basic
Tentacle Rod | An enchanted rod ending in three writhing tentacles. Outside of combat, the tentacles have a tend
Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
Skyboat | A small schooner capable of travelling to adjacent boards. Travels at the same speed as a wagon/pleasure boat.
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000)
Skipping 1 x level 6 requirement for 600MP
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000).
Skipping for a Level 10 requirement.
"Oh? I certainly will," Ronin says with a flash of teeth, turning to ensure he puts the box with the glasses inside somewhere safe and out of the way, where he can pick it up before they leave the festival. Straightening up to listen to Maea as she speaks, he follows suit in the second of what will absolutely be several more courses of food; Ronin opts for some soft cheeses on crackers drizzled with honey, munching on a bite while the pale Ancient continues.
"It's never easy to try and find where you fit in the world," he agrees. "I've moved enough myself to know that much. Where are you thinking of going?" he asks, licking a dab of honey from his thumb and setting his plate down to grab a napkin to wipe further at his hands. "Ah, you know how it is. We can't turn around without a crisis these days," he says, and although there is a smile on his lips, his eyes are tired.
"Remi and I have had to promise to step back from anything related to the void," he explains in a quieter voice. "The Family threatened our children, so..." He shrugs. "There was no question about out choice in the matter."
Down and out, and out of luck, we're spinning but the needle's stuck
"I'm leaning towards Torchline," she replied. "It's between there and King's End anyway, and if that's the case then I'll at least get to stay warm." Not to mention, it seemed easier to deal with Flora as a leader over Sunjata. For all that her rapport with them was poor all around, there wasn't the weight of shared history with the Doubletake, and as Torchline was bigger it should be easier to stay out of her way. "It might be time to try doing something I've never done before... see if it's possible to escape old patterns."
Grimacing with sympathy at the ultimatum, Maea chewed thoughtfully on her food. "Of course, you've both done so much already. Even without the threat, there ought to be others who can step up..." Like herself, if she could only stop floundering and get to work on developing what skills she had - whatever they may be. There ought to be something she could do... "I hope they leave you and your family alone, at least." Hoped that nothing else would happen, too, because if the Taliesin clan was out of the game, she worried about their chances of opposing the Family.
-500 MP Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
-500 MP Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
Type: Grey | Style: Offensive | Level: Basic
Tentacle Rod | An enchanted rod ending in three writhing tentacles. Outside of combat, the tentacles have a tend
Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
Skyboat | A small schooner capable of travelling to adjacent boards. Travels at the same speed as a wagon/pleasure boat.
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000)
Skipping 1 x level 6 requirement for 600MP
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000).
Skipping for a Level 10 requirement.
"Well, I can definitely vouch for Torchline," Ronin says with a crooked smile. "And with Flowerbirth on the way, you'll be able to start enjoying the warmer days again. Not that it ever got too cold, mind you. I can't say I know too much about what it's like to live in King's End, but Sunjata seems to be running it pretty well. It does snow there, though." Which could make all the difference to an Ancient, but then Maea has absolutely survived worse than a bit of snowfall.
"What do you think you might do? I'm considering setting up a training arena, myself. Kind of like a guild, I suppose, but I haven't thought that far ahead. Just a space where people can improve their skills." He doesn't know if she'd be interested in anything like that but either way the arena would be available for her to use regardless.
As for the Family and his own, the Knight lets out a long sigh and retrieves his plate once again. "So do I. And even if we can't help with anything void-related, it does mean we're able to keep our focus closer to home. We don't intend to sit by and do nothing, is what I suppose I'm saying."
Down and out, and out of luck, we're spinning but the needle's stuck
Returning the smile, Maea reached for a slice of the artisanal bread and slathered it with a good helping of butter that smelled of spices. "No offense to Sunjata, but if the choice is between him and staying warm, it's noy even a choice," she laughed, before popping the bread into her mouth. Gods knew she would have chosen differently in the past - she was actually surprised by how the twinge in her gut felt more like relief at the thought of being well away from the Flood. Perhaps she was healing after all.
"Well... I've been a farmer, a loreseeker, a vagabond, healer and bartender... Don't think I've tried trainer or soldier yet. If you would like a hand with that guild, do let me know. I'd be happy to help." Maybe life as a mercenary would suit her. Able to travel, hone her weapon skills and magic, and she'd be useful to someone. It was worth thinking about.
"That's good to hear. It means Torchline is in good hands." Reaching out, she squeezed his arm lightly. "It will be nice having you and Remi as neighbors. I look forward to getting to know both of you better."
Ah. It would seem like her mind had been made up. The cards appeared to hold a move in her future. How interesting.
-500 MP Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
-500 MP Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
Type: Grey | Style: Offensive | Level: Basic
Tentacle Rod | An enchanted rod ending in three writhing tentacles. Outside of combat, the tentacles have a tend
Receive a custom item (Accepted only)
Skyboat | A small schooner capable of travelling to adjacent boards. Travels at the same speed as a wagon/pleasure boat.
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000)
Skipping 1 x level 6 requirement for 600MP
Skip a levelling requirement (100x the requirement level. Skipping a requirement at level 2 costs 200, at level 10 costs 1000).
Skipping for a Level 10 requirement.
Letting out a low whistle to hear the list of things Maea has been over the years, Ronin nods warmly to hear that she'd be willing to help out with his potential little guild. "I'll definitely let you know. More hands means lighter work and all that, right?" He smiles, pausing to munch on another cracker and a bit of cheese drizzled with honey. "Also, having been both a trainer and a soldier, I can vouch for it keeping you fit and busy," he adds.
Finishing his snack and setting his plate down for good, he can't help but feel a pang of relief as the Ancient speaks again, her hand warm upon his arm. "Thanks," he says with a bashful duck of his head. "It'll be strange to sit back from attending to every other global crisis, but... I'm quite looking forward to it, too." And if Maea is going to be their neighbour, which it sounds like she is, there will be another person to hold him accountable in Torchline.
"Anyway, come on," he suggests, nodding towards the rest of the food. "I've got my eye on that table of pastries, if you want to join me."
Down and out, and out of luck, we're spinning but the needle's stuck
"Indeed they do. And staying fit is never a bad thing. Wouldn't mind that at all," she replied with a return grin, pleased at the thought of keeping busy. Perhaps regular training would rekindle her enjoyment towards martial arts, too; it was usually a source of pleasure, but had been overshadowed by unease after recent traumatic events.
"There is always something that needs doing. I'm sure both Flora and Hadama will be happy to have help with things at home while they worry about the politics." Likely she would be involving herself with such matters as well. She had some atoning to do in Torchline, and was determined to finally doing something about it, instead of just whining.
Drawn back from her thoughts by Ronin's suggestion, Maea followed his nod and took in the mounds of sweet treats, cakes and pastries with rising enthusiasm. "Oh, yes, don't mind if I do! Do you think the others will mind if we clean it off completely? I admit I have a bit of a sweet tooth..."
Grinning with anticipation, Maea fell into stride with the Knight; she bet she could give him a run for his money in an eating contest. She would do her utmost to keep up.
