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!
Panacea tied her small boat to the old rickety dock, pulling on the ropes to ensure it did not float away, not again, damnit. She grabbed her basket and adjusted her pants and top. Her feet felt uncomfortable in the strappy shoes she only wore when visiting Kaiholo Port. It took one measly splinter in her foot to keep her from going bare foot into the busy port ever again.
Voices and sounds from passing people tend to be jarring when Panacea first arrives, but she adjusts quickly. She has her usual stops to gather foods, and goods that she does not readily have on her little oasis. This is also the time where she builds bonds. She enjoys helping those in need, and ensuring people know who she is, what she can do, and where she can be found.
Panacea keeps her basket close, filled with all of her tinctures, balms, and ointments to be handed to those who requested them from her last trip, and for those who may need things on the spot. Small, laughing and screaming children run by startling two large horses attached to the cart nearby. The horses rear up in agitation, almost taking Panacea's head off of her shoulders. She ducks out of the way, nearly losing her yellow horned poppy ointment (she finally found where the island hid it from her, and was elated to know she could make her ointment for the old widow in town). Her sandals catch a lip in the wood, keeping her from being able to properly address the wild children. She crashes into a young woman who is walking by, and a pencil slips from her ear.
"Those damn children! I am so incredibly sorry. Are you alright? Here.". Panacea gives the woman a once over to make sure she is not visibly hurt and hands her the pencil from the ground.
// He who has health, has hope. He who has hope, has everything. // // Take a breath and let the rest come easy //
Having finally found the elusive romance book she'd been looking for, Elizabeth isn't paying the slightest attention as she walked through the port. She'd practically been asking to get run over, so when her pencil goes flying and the book jostles from her hands, she really has no excuse. It still startles her enough to make her yelp in surprise, a small squeak of a sound that has a few dockworkers chuckling as she crouches to gather her things.
A young woman stands, offering her the pencil she'd perpetually forgotten about. Blinking, Elizabeth let out a small laugh at her own clumsiness, tucking the pencil back behind her ear as she straightens. "Oh! Yeah. I'm okay. Are you?" She checks over the woman as she adjusts her green dress around the books in her arms.
Her eyes spot the giggling kids as they chase after each other down the dock, a small look of concern in her eyes. "Those kids should probably be more careful." However, in the constant bustle of the port, no one pays them much mind, moving like currents around pebbles in a stream; so Elizabeth doesn't let any negative thoughts remain, turning again to the woman with a soft smile that was warm and open. "Did you lose anything? Do you need any help?"
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
There were many things in the world that bothered Panacea, one of them being a lack of situational awareness. Having grown up with a woman whose job it was to patch up those fell victim to lack of situational awareness, and a man who made a profession of entertaining and comforting, often with tricks, Panacea usually has an eye on everything. So when a group of rambunctious children cause her to almost lose a months worth of work and enough money to pay her next bar bill, plus some, she is more than irked.
"I am fine, thank you. If i had lost any of my remedies, those children would have learned the importance of being mindful." Panacea glares in the direction that they ran off to. She looks back at the woman in front of her. Dressed in a green dress, and with books in hand, the woman looks at her with kind eyes. Panacea also spots the stack of books in her arms.
"I love to read. Though I find I do not always have the time to do so.". Panacea raises her hand to her eyes, and looks towards the sun to gauge the time. Some plants did better when harvested at different times of day, and she had to time her departure. She also needed to find that damn hat seller, this sun was becoming too much. She glances back at the woman, and decides she has some extra time between dropping off a few treatments, harassing the hat seller, and visiting the Shrine of Mort. "I am Panacea, by the way. I am a healer. Since I did not lose my goods, is there anything I can help you with today? It is the least I can do for nearly knocking you over."
// He who has health, has hope. He who has hope, has everything. // // Take a breath and let the rest come easy //
Her eyebrow raises in surprise at the threat the children had managed to avoid, finding it hard to imagine a healer would wish harm on them, but she lets the woman change the topic, smiling at the mention of books. Elizabeth lifts her romance book for her to see, laughing softly. "I do too. Sometimes they're more interesting than real life."
There's a soothing warmth in her gaze that disguises the way she analyzes and assesses Panacea's actions, the way she seems distracted, preoccupied with plans or intentions. It doesn't stop Elizabeth from offering a smile and a nod of polite greeting, but she keeps it in mind. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Elizabeth." She shifts the book in her arms to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, tilting her head. "Me? I don't think so. I was just between clients, looking for a good spot to enjoy my new book." Her eyes shift to take in the crowded pier, not really seeing any places to settle that wouldn't be in the way of one person or another, so she turns back to Panacea. "Any recommendations?"
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Panacea gives her head a shake, trying to brush off more of her frustration. It was hot, and she really needed that damn hat. She gestures her head in the direction she had been originally heading. "If you would join me, I had a few more stops to make, along with visiting the Shrine to Mort. I was planning on leaving some contributions. I know of a place not far from there that I enjoy when I have the time. I would be more than happy to share it with you." Panacea paused again and glanced at her new companion. "I apologize for my outburst. I do love children, but actions like that are what get them killed, despite those actions also keeping me employed. They would have left with nothing more than their pride hurt."
Panacea started to walk, and glanced back again, making sure Elizabeth was following, or at least had not written her off as some lunatic. "You mentioned seeing patients. Are you a healer as well?" Panacea asks while continuously scanning the crowd, looking for those she promised aid, stalls she may need to stop at, and for those who may need something, but do not know who to ask.
// He who has health, has hope. He who has hope, has everything. // // Take a breath and let the rest come easy //
Elizabeth falls into step beside Panacea, more than happy to follow along if it means she gets a chance to read in a nice location - and to learn more about this woman. Smiling, her hair flutters in the salty breeze. "I'd appreciate that."
She doesn't show any surprise by the apology, although she finds it interesting that Panacea had let her thoughts linger on the interaction. Elizabeth just offers a soft expression of understanding, one she's perfected over the years. "That's fair enough. As unfortunate as it is, most children learn caution the hard way." Traumas are - unfortunately - the biggest instigators of change and life lessons.
At the next question, she laughs, granting the healer an amused smile. "Of sorts." Pausing a second, she clarifies, "I'm a therapist. I deal with hearts and minds more than anything else." Knowing how that often affects conversations, she breezes over the information with another tuck of her hair and a polite tilt of her head. "How long have you lived in Torchline?"
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
The breeze picks up a bit as the pair makes their way through the busy market area. Panacea watched for the path she usually took behind the stall that sells perfumes and soaps, to take them up to the temple. "That they do, and that is when they end up in my care." Panacea shakes her head, hair flying in her face along with the breezes. She pulls the band off of her wrist and ties it into a pony tail. "Those always seem to be the worst ones to care for. I do love when they see me for things from a good fun adventure, like climbing a tree or chasing one another. Places like this get them killed." Panacea eyes her new companion. A therapist is a good friend to have, but a childhood full of adventure isn't always as magical as it seems, and has left some scars.
"A therapist? That is impressive." Panacea guides Elizabeth behind the stall, and they begin to make the ascent up the hill towards the temple and one of her favorite places to just be. "I think it is absolutely important to care for all parts of the body, including the mind and the heart. I grow several herbs that help with those. I usually have a calming brew prepared for those who accompany my patients. I believe that they deserve some peace of mind as well."
"I have been in Torchilne for several years now. It took me a while to find my home, and establish myself as a professional though. I have always loved the coast and the fresh air. What about yourself?"
// He who has health, has hope. He who has hope, has everything. // // Take a breath and let the rest come easy //
Following Panacea around the stall, Elizabeth glances at the crowd they leave behind, spotting another gaggle of kids zipping between grumbling adults. However, there are more good-natured smiles than actual anger, the people knowing to watch their feet enough to enjoy the playful naivety of the children.
She smiles, adjusting her books in her arms as she shrugs. "Perhaps, but I think most adults would rather be more cautious through the market so they can let the kids bask in their youth. Part of our job is giving them the space to learn and make mistakes without coming to serious harm."
Elizabeth doesn't miss the flicker of something in Panacea's eyes when the word 'therapist' is mentioned, wondering what sort of traumas she might have that bring such a reaction. For now, she lets it be, nodding along with the wholistic approach to people. "I completely agree. My mom is an herbalist that would collect different flora from around Caido. I never got her skill for the 'healer' or 'poultice' portion of her job, but I have a collection of teas that I offer patients when they visit." She's always finding new flavors and concoctions at the markets she visits, even having organized a small drink station in her home to display all the options she'd been able to discover.
Trekking up the grassy knoll, Elizabeth has to snag at the windblown piece of hair that escapes from behind her ear. "I live in Halo right now, but I travel a lot for work." Hence her presence in the tropical land rather than the perpetual snow of the northern region. "Where in Torchline do you live?" Based on her reaction to the hustle and bustle of people around them, Elizabeth would guess someone more secluded along the beach, but she doesn't voice her suspicion, giving Panacea a curious smile.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Panacea hummed at Elizabeth's comment on adults keeping an eye on children in crowded spaces. She saw much on her travels with her parents. She was one of the lucky ones to have had a childhood on the road, with parents that took pride in their attention of her. Despite being well watched, accidents happened. She saw even more accidents with children who were not well watched.
"If you ever need anything for your patients, please feel free to let me know. I am in Kaiholo often enough, and can bring or leave something for you to pick up. I often try new recipes, and work to make sure they don't all taste like dirt." . Panacea offers a smile towards Elizabeth. The two make their way up, getting closer and closer to the top, and the shrine. Panacea thought of the two offerings she had in her bag that she intended to leave. The younger brother of a sick girl wanted to help pay for the medicines given to their family. He left her with a small device that sits in your hand, so when you shake hands with someone, you give them a surprising shock. Panacea was delighted by it, and knew it would be a good gift to the herald of trickery. She also brought along a funny Jack in the Box she bargained for the last time she was in the port. The tune it played was eerie, and the little figure jumped from the box was designed in a way that was strange. It was designed as any other clown in any other jack in the box would be, except something about it's eyes and teeth made it seem a little more dangerous and a little more supernatural.
"Halo, really?". Panacea raises her eyebrows. She can't imagine spending time in the frozen land. She loved her sunshine and beaches too much to wander that far north for more than a week or two at a time. "How do you like it? Or is that why you travel so much for work?". Panacea laughs at her own joke. "I am on one of the ever changing islands. Depending in the day, I may be on one of the small, nearby islands, or one of the larger and farther away islands. I love the chaos that comes with it. It can make planting and growing what I need challenging, but what does grow seems to love it. I also like to think that Torchline enjoys it as well, for all of the natural gifts and beauty I live with."
// He who has health, has hope. He who has hope, has everything. // // Take a breath and let the rest come easy //
Always happy for new tea options, Elizabeth nods her head, a warm smile on her face. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." She's sure it won't be long before she's back in Torchline, visiting patients or attending some large event. And then she'd return home, the place she'd chosen for herself to settle when she'd seen so much of the world.
Panacea's surprise brought an understanding grin to her face, pride lacing her tone even if she hadn't been raised in the icy tundra. "Halo is one of the toughest places to live, but it means that the people are more resilient and the bond of their community is admirable." And maybe part of her hoped to embody some of their strength, to have fortitude of mind even if her physical power was lacking. "That being said," she offers Panacea a playful grin, "I'm not the biggest fan of the cold weather either." Hence why she often wore thick coats and kept her fire flaring hot in her fireplace.
Chuckling, Elizabeth looks to the top of the hill. "I once got stuck on one of those moving islands. Fell asleep reading a book and woke up too far from the mainland to swim back." She laughs again, light and unbothered. "Things worked out in the end, but I momentarily considered whether I was going to be stranded forever." With a curious tilt of her head, she asks, "Do many other people live out there?"
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
With a nod of her head, Panacea presses on up the hill. She loves being able to help in any way that she can. She would not mind spending more time with this particular therapist, especially if she is a fellow bookworm. She is impressed by Elizabeth's bravery and willingness to push herself. Not enough people live like that, herself included. Yes, her home does move randomly, and she does not always know where she will wake up in the morning, but it is still paradise.
"That is very admirable. I applaud your courage, I don't think most people would sign up for something like that. I appreciate your desire to have a home that comes with a strong bond with your community. I know they say it takes a village to raise a child, but I think the same can be said to raise an adult." As the two crested the hill, the entirety of the port could be seen below them. Panacea loved to come up here to watch the people bustle around below. To see how the water comes and goes, and the rolling hills that create the inland. The breeze picks up and pulls at her hair and she closes her eyes, and smiles up at the sun. Taking a deep breath she says "I am going to go down the other side to the shrine to leave my offerings. I usually sit just there." Panacea points to the side of the hill that slopes towards the water, away from the trail. "I usually walk down far enough from the trail to not be seen, but I am still able to see and hear everything around me. I'll be right
Panacea starts to make her way down the hill to the dock, where the shrine stands. She does not come this way very often, and usually does not show her appreciation through offerings, she usually just says her thanks. She approaches the shrine and reaches into her bag. She grabs the toys and places them at the feet of the shrine. She looks up at the statue in front of her and smiles. "Thank you." she whispers, showing gratitude for the safe journeys she had, and the ones in her future. She turns away and starts to make her way back up the hill towards her new friend.
[FIN]
// He who has health, has hope. He who has hope, has everything. // // Take a breath and let the rest come easy //
