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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04-04-2025, 07:22 PM (This post was last modified: 04-05-2025, 09:16 PM by Zavien.)
Zavien
While caring for his tiny green lavender sprouts, Zavien heard a strange sound come from nearby. It wasn't uncommon to hear random animal calls in the gardens, but something about this one made him look up, his eyes narrowing with concern. Sol stopped from his business rolling in a patch of daisies, letting out a sharp sneeze that sent yellow pollen puffing into the air around him as he, too, looked towards the noise. His head tilted in alertness, listening to hear it again.
When a crash sounded, he was immediately jumping to his feet, Sol on his heels as he said, "Come on. Let's go check on Lena." He'd become pretty good at navigating the Celestine, and it didn't take him long to find the Caretaker in one of the nearby spaces, letting the sound guide him. Years of practice had him sweeping the area for threats, taking in each shadow and movement for signs of the source. It wasn't necessarily panicked, but Zavien looked to Lena with protective concern, his body tense and ready to intervene. "Is everything okay?"
The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is 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 sound hadn’t bothered her in the slightest – cries from a young griffin were often meant to tear and pull at the heartstrings – and so she began her soothing chords as she wrapped the fledgling’s paw. Songbird lulls and lullabies were foremost from her throat; some sonnets handed down from family members, some she’d found in books long ago, some she enamored and heart and passed along herself – off into the ethers where other ears could snag and learn too. Amidst all the combined calm and clamor, she was a composed figure, regally content upon the ground as the griffin gave a few more earnest cries, and then settled into watching her with a wary eye.
She didn’t quite expect Zavien to show up – figuring he’d been busy tending to his sprouts – and shot him a quick glance over her shoulder, stopping her singing for a smile. “Everything’s all right. This one is just protesting. It would only need a day or so to mend, but-,” she shrugged her shoulders. The griffin growled and flapped its small wings, but otherwise did nothing else but squawk again – perhaps hoping the newcomers would aid in its alarm – as the Caretaker finished tying off the bandage. “How’s the lavender?”
He would have liked to keep listening to Lena sing, but his attention was fixated on the griffin struggling against the Caretaker's careful ministrations. It didn't appear to be a risk, and his shoulders relaxed, although he kept his distance to let her work. He didn't want to further spook the creature or hinder her progress in some other way. Sol on the other hand, had no such qualms.
The little dragon trotted up next to the pair, giving a low rumble of communication to the griffin, an attempt to reassure it of Lena's good intentions. To provide some comfort, he sat at its side, leaning in just enough to ease any anxieties - in exactly the same way as he'd been doing for Zavien since his death. It made the Dragoon smile, letting him focus on the question Lena had asked him.
His eyes brightened a little, his head nodding in excitement. "Good! The sprouts are growing strong. I think Vi will be pleased." At least he hoped. Vi gave him the impression of a stern father, loving in his lofty expectations of people, and Zavien would hate to disappoint him.
Gesturing with his head to the griffin, he asked, "Any idea what happened?"
The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is 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 watched the dragon carefully, out of the corner of her eyes. While she often appreciated his enthusiasm and zest for life, she also didn’t want to complicate matters with the griffin, especially where everything needed to be calm and composed, rather than animated and energetic. He seemed to understand the requirements though, and she arched her brow at his seemingly bout of maturity, granting him a warm smile as she inspected her bandaging scruples and the griffin visibly relaxed in her arms.
She gave Zavien much the same grin as he described the lavender; another semblance of relief stretching through bonds and entities. She’d been checking on it in the interim to ensure nothing had been drowned or lacking water; but otherwise, it had been his to curate.
As for the griffin, she sighed. “My guess would be a predator. We’ve had a same sort of situation with a couple unicorns lately too. With the new season, many animals are aiming to grab whatever food they can.” The young were often considered suitably prey.
Watching as Sol tried not to sneeze around the puff of feathers, Zavien leaned against a tree, a content smile on his face that only seemed to soften further with each day in the Celestine. It had proven to be healing to more than just animals, although the sound of growing threats pulled his smile into a deep frown. "I can't say that's comforting." Especially if all predators were acting the same way, including any purple-hued monstrosities or their 'relatives.'
He looked to the griffin, concern evident on his features. "Is it going to be safe returning home?" It was the logical question, one that he didn't like thinking about, but that was necessary to consider. If it refused to stay here, it risked being targeted while injured, its ability to survive decreasing drastically. Zavien hated to think the young griffin would meet such a terrible end, alone with nothing to protect it from predators.
The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is 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, used to the circle of life, didn’t want to seem like she didn’t care, but it was how the wilderness went. They couldn’t protect and save every single animal – no matter how hard they tried. But she’d care for the ones she could, mending and tending and assuaging to the best of her ability. “An unfortunate circumstance of the wild,” she noted, with a slight frown as she rearranged the bandage while the griffin remained calm.
Feeding it a treat after everything was over, the youth fluffed its feathers outward and squawked, looking expectantly from dragon to Caretaker, and then seemed to be intent on further gifts and indulgences. “To that, I can’t say. It’ll stay here until it's well enough to go home.” From there though, it was entirely out of her control and jurisdiction.
Sol sat patiently next to the griffin, waiting for a his treat. After all, he'd been so helpful, the excited wag of his tail telling her as much. It distracted Zavien from the sad reality that not all the creatures Lena helped would make it in the wild. He nodded his head as he watched the pair, smiling softly. "Right. I guess we'll just have to hope it's able to survive on its own." That it found a place to hunker down until fully healed, or got lucky avoiding the notice of any threatening predators.
When the griffin realized it wasn't going to get anymore treats for the moment, it fluffed its wings, looking ready to take flight. Sol startled back, a chirp of concern that sounded like it was trying to convince the griffin of something. It didn't seem to listen, shuffling its feet and clicking its beak. Zavien got the feeling the conversation wasn't going well, raising an eyebrow to Lena. "Are you sure it's going to stay? It looks pretty intent on leaving."
The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is 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.
Taking the hint, she laughed lightly, granting several more treats to just Sol alone. While the griffin grumbled and went to preen itself, Lena took a slight step back, giving the youth some space while it acclimated to the world around it. “The enclosures are designed to keep them within until they’re ready,” she surmised – save for that time during the war when they had multitudes escape; but she didn’t expect any more movement towards the sky on Stormbreak’s behalf.
Musing to herself, she tilted her head, thinking the possibilities over. Try as it might, it wouldn’t be yielding to any evasion from Frey’s enchantments. “Though perhaps it would do better with some company. I’ll see what I can do.” Some of the other animals within might prefer other creatures nearby too – though she didn’t have any other griffins presently.
Chuckling at the bottomless pit of his companion, Zavien watched the griffin settle a little more to preen. "I suppose that's a good thing. Not all animals want treatment." And not all of them were small enough to be contained in a small enclosure or restrained without risking harm to Lena or others.
On the other topic, Sol seemed very intent to be said 'company,' not moving away from the griffin as it nestled closer to the dragon again. Obviously, something had transpired between them, something that made the griffin gravitate towards Sol for comfort, a trust having grown. They circled each other in the enclosure, chirping and grumbling in communication.
Noting the time, and his own encroaching hunger, Zavien turned to Lena. "We should probably be getting back." Pushing off from the tree, he looked at the pair still chatting it up, briefly happy for their friendship. "Sol, come on. We'll see him again in the morning." Yet, when the dragon moved to follow, the griffin gave a panicked squawk, standing in his path. Another exchange took place between them, Zavien only privy to the emotions that Sol felt: surprise, confusion, understanding, then acceptance. And when his companion looked back at him, he sat, a certainty in his gaze.
Zavien didn't need to ask what it meant, he could feel through the bond that Sol intended to stay, to do his part in helping ease the griffin's anxieties around being in the Celestine. However, it didn't change the dread building in his chest, and he had to swallow back his own selfish desires as he asked, "Are you - are you sure?" The dragon let out a soft whine, cocking its head in a soft look of reassurance.
His smile was bitter but proud as Zavien shook his head. "When did you get to be so mature?" Maybe it had something to do with his death and all. Running a hand through his hair, he finally gave in, his smile thin and resigned. "Fine, but I'll be by to get you in the morning, okay? Don't cause any trouble." And with no small amount of reluctance, he waited patiently for Lena to be ready before leaving behind half of his heart.
In the morning, Zavien immediately followed Lena to the enclosure, feeling the ache in his chest ease at the sight of the little golden dragon. He knew there were probably others that needed her attention more, but he hadn't slept well without Sol by his side, and he wouldn't be comforted until he saw his companion. Luckily, they were greeted by the pair who bumped shoulder to shoulder, Sol begging for treats without hesitation. It made him laugh, and he offered some jerky from his own pocket to the two creatures.
The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is 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 exchange had been riddled with certain aspects Lena could understand; it hadn’t been the first time others had sought companionship, even in the quiet and hospitable conditions of the Celestine. Still, she watched both Dragoon and dragoon with her own intent glances, going back and forth as they seemed to resolve and resign themselves to certain aspects. Swallowing down a whole another bout of apprehension, mostly for Zavien, she nodded at his acceptance, giving a modicum of glances at Sol, before leaving a few more treats and necessities, and tending to the rest of the chores for the evening.
--
The morning seemed to have gone well anyway – for she opened their enclosure first, checking in on things. “I’ll leave you all to get re-acclimated,” she whispered, “and I need to check in on some others first. But then we’ll see about that bandage, hm?” She gave in fondness towards both griffin and dragon – because if things had gone well, then that meant the little one would be able to go home much sooner rather than later.
He watched Lena leave, giving her a soft smile as he sat with his back to a tree, relieved to feel the bond so strong again. The griffin was reluctant to approach, but the jerky helped, along with Sol's excited headbutts of encouragement. They bumped and roved around him, playing and eager to move in light of his arrival. It wasn't until they settled next to him that the Dragoon noticed something off.
Sol sat with his chin resting on Zavien's thigh, his eyes looking up, a golden depth to them that gave him pause. His head turned, trying to puzzle through the reluctance glowing there, the gentle brush of calm that the young dragon was trying to instill. Without words, it was hard to piece together what it might mean, and he narrowed his eyes. "Are you sad the griffin has to go home today?" He felt the disagreement, watching as Sol leaned a little closer to his new friend, like he had no plans of leaving its side, like -
Zavien felt a stone sink into the pit of his stomach, dread draining the color from his face. "Sol. You can't really mean..." He swallowed against the pain, hurt and rejection making his throat tighten. "You - you want to leave?" The moment the words left his mouth, he knew that wasn't the whole story, Sol's head came up in a low whine, feeling the distress. He tried to sooth and calm, a message of temporary flowing between them to mix with the feeling of important responsibility. Flashes of 'duty' and 'mission' pulsed like the beating heart of every dragoon, the purpose that drove them all somehow shining bright in the eyes of the gold dragon. It was strong enough to let Zavien focus through the increasing pound of his heart in his ears, resonating in his chest.
Running a hand down the smooth scales, he took deep, steadying breaths. "How - how long would you be gone?" There's a feeling of uncertainty wrapped in the warmth of compassion, an attempt to help Zavien accept what his companion knew he needed to do, the gentle breaking of the news. It didn't help with the coping, but it was enough to make the Dragoon reach forward, pulling his dragon into a tight, smothering hug. His eyes burned against the feeling that tugged and tore, the dread and trepidation that tasted bitter in his mouth. "You - Sol, you have to promise you'll make it back. Please." Sol nuzzled his head into the crook of Zavien's neck, a low whine joining the promise that reverberated down the bond - a promise to succeed, to return, to be the support he needed.
They stayed like that for a while, Sol reassuring Zavien in calm brushes of the bond. It didn't make the decision to let him go any easier, but it helped to know that the dragon was resolute in his choice, that it would be no different than a tactical protection mission. Out and back. Temporary.
The griffin finally stirred nearby, his head raising when Lena returned, an eagerness in the fluttering of its wings. Zavien hesitated before looking to her, a devastation in his eyes as he tried to find the words for what had been determined. He had to clear his throat twice before starting. "I - Sol is insisting that the griffin needs his help getting home. He - he wants to go with him." His hold on Sol tightened a little, finding it difficult to release him just yet, knowing the moment was fast approaching.
The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is 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 moved swiftly through most of the enclosures – humming, a serene little fixture as she swept about. By the time she’d arrived back within the griffin’s enclosure, most of the others had been fed, watered, and the morning bandages, medicines, or ointments applied. Once she rounded back after figuring out how Zavien, Sol, and the little fledgling were doing, she could meander through the gardens, do some weeding –
But when she returned, things had evidently taken a turn, and all the tranquility drained out of her as her eyes roamed from face to face, before landing on Zavien’s with a look of avid confusion and concern. “He wants to go with him…,” she repeated, clearly trying to wrap her mind around the situation. This was likely the last thing Zavien needed now, especially after weeks of healing and seasons of trauma – to have the bond not severed, but certainly stretched thin and taut. Swallowing down a whole multitude of her own feelings, she went to go hold his hand – but finding it occupied by perhaps the last remnants of his dragon for a while, she opted to gently grab his elbow. “I’ve never heard of such a thing-,” at least, not since she’d worked within the Celestine.
Placing her lips together, worrying, her gaze went to Sol, and all the determination sequestered there. Both so noble, just, and staunch, but so self-sacrificing that it hurt to watch. Eventually her brown eyes went back to the Dragoon, trying to piece everything together, and already knowing the answer. “Are you sure? You don’t have to-,” keep doing this she wanted to say, understanding it wouldn’t have mattered. We can find another way might’ve parsed through. It doesn’t always have to be you suffering was one more figment.
Lena's words were an echo of all the ones that had raced through his mind, all the questions he'd asked Sol, asked himself. Her hand was a comfort, enough for him to loosen his tight hold of the dragon, enough to say more than the practiced words he'd prepared. "I - I don't know why." Maybe the griffin needed help hunting. Maybe it was too anxious about being alone for the journey. Maybe it was scared of what it might find when it returned. Whatever the reason, Zavien knew one thing for sure, a quiet resolution in his voice. "All I know is that Sol sounds set on going - says he'll be back afterwards." After a pause, he looked up to meet her gaze, painful acceptance in his eyes as he said softly, "And I think I have to let him."
Despite the stabbing in his chest, Sol gave a crooning of affection, encouragement for the struggles to come. It gave Zavien the strength to see more than his own suffering, a quiet realization making him feel suddenly tired. "Maybe this is what Vi meant by doing something selfless..." He hadn't expected the opportunity to arise so soon - for it to hurt so much, for it to be such a heavy request. But who was he to deny the injured griffin its one request? To deny Sol the chance to do something he felt passionate about?
Zavien felt Sol stir in his arms, a gentle push to let go. He instinctually tightened his hold, having to consciously relax his muscles to release the dragon as he moved to stand next to the griffin. The look he gave the Dragoon was one of pride and determination, another moment of soothing emotions tumbling down the bond. It did little to stop the cracking of his heart, but Zavien didn't say anything, waiting patiently for their imminent departure, trying to hold it together with slow breaths and a thread-bare will.
The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is 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.
She opened her mouth to give some semblance of protest, but the moment Maybe this is what Vi meant was cast, she shut it just as swiftly. Never one to defy the gods, their power, their might, their credences and beliefs, the Caretaker had always been an individual taught to respect the creators of their world. But still – why was such pain necessary, when Zavien had already sacrificed so much? What was he to learn that he hadn’t already grasped? Was it a vague cruelty, or something more to be dissolved and understood? Lena didn’t have the answers to any of the questions, but they’d likely keep her up at night for many evenings to come. “Okay,” she murmured, striving to show her support, even if her features couldn’t quite hide the sorrow and confusion.
Bending down to address both creatures, she unfurled all her layered, Attuned talents into their minds. You must be very careful. And come right back. Pondering over the matter, she reached into her bag and snagged at a tiny satchel, usually there to hold seeds, and placed some treats within, before tying it on Sol’s neck. It was lightweight, and shouldn’t burden him on any flight – plus, easy to tear open and snag at the food when he grew hungry.
Stepping back, she wrapped one arm around Zavien’s shoulders, and leaned into him. “You’re both very brave,” for being willing to let go, and for being trusting enough to see it through, that there were better things on the other side.
