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Character of the Season
Once known as the Butcher of Whitebrim, he's now The Butcher of Dygra, stepping forward as the first created demigod of the Ancients. There is no question that Astaroth casts an intimidating silhouette. Tall, domineering and dangerous, if looks could kill you'd be dead already, but to get up close and personal with the Grounds' resident cannibal tells a much different story. Dripping with charm and clad in only the finest attire, Asta is a gentleman monster, as polite as they come and committed to his role as security for the Dusklight and those who have earned his loyalty. Be careful of that smile, though - those teeth are sharp.
Congratulations, Asta!
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!
A girls' day seems in order after everything they've been through in recent weeks. With the chaos of moving and living in limbo, Nova is eager to have a day where it's just her and Caly, where she can spoil and brighten and uplift and support in whatever way her sister needs. That means spa day. She's heard that a local Abandoned set up a random building out in the Barrows because there's a particular patch of mud that's supposedly great for the skin. Now, Nova doesn't love the idea of submerging herself in sludge, but there's not much else to do in King's End when it's all frozen over, and she thinks Caly will appreciate the experience.
"Here! I think this is it!" She rushes forward, fuzzy pink boots crunching in the ice as they reach a shack tucked among the hills and headstones. Her eyes follow the trail of steam wafting up into the overcast sky heavy with winter. Before they even reach the door, she can see the circle of warmth that melts whatever snow manages to get close, a ring of grass peeking from the edges of the wooden structure.
It's small and unassuming, only a sign labeled 'SPA' confirming that it's the right place beyond the smells of herbs and oils permeating from the space. She giggles at the sign below advertising that people 'Burrow Your Sorrows In Mud.' Looking to Caly, Nova beams a little brighter from beneath her oversized green hoodie dress. "Ready to relax?!" It's obvious she doesn't know the meaning of the word, her energy humming and her feet bouncing as she moves to the door, making no effort to be quiet in her approach.
there's so much time for me to speak up, but i keep quiet
A girls day is seriously needed, even if Caly wouldn’t admit it. The fact her sister went through all the trouble to book it and get them in was enough to pull Caly out of her little slump she’d found herself in – focusing so much of her time previously to trying to set up a new space she could claim herself. A little piece of the pie as it was.
Caly’s on her sister’s heels as Nova races toward the shack amongst the hills, the headstones surprisingly less dour and somber looking with all the snow stacked on top and in the carved letters. It’s bright, even when her mood seems a little less golden these days. But she can’t hide the soft chime of a laugh that leaves her. “Looks cozy.” She comments, flashing her sister a bright grin once they’ve reached the spa.
Her head is half buried in a sapphire scarf, following her sister toward the door to knock before entering in, only exhaling a sigh of relief when it greets them with an impeccable amount of heat. “Gods, I’m so ready for this, sis.” Comes the whine, clear that she isn’t trying to be quiet in their approach either.
"Good, because this is going to feel sooo amazing!" Giggling, she bursts through the door. It's warm with soft music and gentle smells that waft through the dim, moist air, caressing them like a comforting embrace that urges them to leave their burdens out in the cold. They're greeted by a large blonde man who seems to be expecting them, stepping out from behind his counter to guide them farther in. His voice is higher than expected, but it only makes Nova's face brighten, loving his joyful tone and cozy choice of patterned sweater. "Yoohoo! Welcome, ladies! The changing room is this way. Your mud baths are first, along with the facials, then the massages and finishing with the sauna!"
He leaves them to change in the private rooms where Nova immediately starts peeking into all the corners like they might be hiding chocolate in one of them. She reappears from behind a closet door, presenting two fluffy white robes that make her squeal in delight. "Look! They have fuzzy robes!" Rushing forward, she pushes one into Caly's arms, already thinking about how cute they're going to be, bundled in matching outfits.
Turning to change, she suddenly hops as if struck by lightning - or a very important thought. Like a whirl of a top, she spins, blue eyes glittering with the force of uncontained excitement. "Oh! I forgot! Before we get in, I wanted to give you this! I made it!" As her voice rambles, she rummages into the pocket of her hoodie, head tilting as she reaches for the gift she knows fell deeper into the compartment.
Her tongue sticks out in concentration before her fingers manage to snag the gold chain, ripping it from the 'hiding place' to present it to her sister in spectacular fashion. It dangles from her fingers, the glittering gold necklace catching the yellow light to show off the cursive design of 'Caly.' Unbridled and more than a little proud, she's bouncing, insistently offering it forth for praise and possession. "It's for you! Try activating it!"
there's so much time for me to speak up, but i keep quiet
She already knows it’ll feel incredible, if her sister’s this animated and excited about it. Nova wouldn’t pick anywhere mediocre, after all, so she lets her sister’s feelings swell within her to replace the melancholy that’s taken root in her heart. Looking up to see the large blonde man greet them, her smile warm in return as he details out their plan and she can already feel herself relaxing.
Stepping into the changing room with her sister, giggling as the fuzzy white robes appear, shedding her clothes to slip into the robe, tying it around her as her sister jumps and she’s immediately on alert – only to puff out an affectionate snicker. “What?” She chimes, leaning over the bag with her sister to see what she’d made for her.
Upon the unveiling, Caly’s eyes catch on the glittering gold necklace, her smile growing fonder, taking it and slipping it around her neck with a reverence that very few saw. “Aw, Nova, y’didn’t have to.” She murmurs softly, stroking her fingers along the golden lettering, before she squints up at her sister with a soft laugh. “How do I activate it?” She asks, concentrating to try and think about the necklace to make it do something, but what it was, she didn’t know.
Her eyes glitter, watching gleefully as Caly slips it around her neck. "Of course I did! You're my sister! I wanted the first item I made to be for you." The next is obviously Vesper, but she'd quickly made it to the top of the list when Nova thought it might cheer her up. Seeing her smile now, she likes to think she made the right choice.
Sliding her hoodie dress off, she dons the white cloud of clothing, snuggling deep into the material like it might float away. She blinks at Caly when she voices her question, not having considered the need to explain it. "Hm? Oh. I just thought about it, but you could probably touch it too?" The blonde of her hair shifts with the tilt of her head while she waits for her sister to figure it out.
Once Caly reveals the shield imbued in the jewelry, Nova bounces forward to poke at the shimmering gold layer, grinning when she feels a touch of resistance. There's a thoughtfulness to her voice, fitting between the notes of pride and affection. "It's to protect you. I'll have to fix it up to make it stronger, but it's a start!" Clasping her hands behind her back, she leans forward on the balls of her feet, letting out a little sparkle of a giggle. "Plus, it's pretty."
Nova has given Caly:
Shield Your Eyes | A gold pendant in the shape of 'Caly' that expands into a shimmering protective layer over the wearer capable of blocking physical damage. Can only be used 1x per thread.
Type: Light | Style: Defensive | Level: Basic | Cost: Passive
there's so much time for me to speak up, but i keep quiet
“That’s real nice of ya.” She comments, distracted only by the glittering gold of it – the beauty of it glittering and shining as she tries to figure it out. It’s a comfortable weight, one that the young attuned could absolutely get used to – and while her sister delves into the comfort of the white plush robe, she tests it out a few different ways before she gets it to work.
It takes the touch before the golden layer overcomes her skin and the robe she wears, and the gasp that escapes her is pure delight and awe – eyes glittering with a vibrant amber hue as she looks back at her sister with the brightest smile she’s had in weeks. “Aw Novaaaaaaa!” She chimes in a slight whine of appreciation and surprise, awe coating her tone.
When her sister rocks back on her feet, she surges forward to wrap her in a warm and tight hug. “It’s so pretty. It’s perfect.” She squeezes her tightly, embracing her sister to convey all the feelings of adoration that she can’t muster.
The sun can take a break, maybe even retire, because Caly's smile could light the world. All the worries and stresses of moving mean nothing when she sees that brightness return, knowing despite it all that her sister is going to be just fine. There's nothing Nova wouldn't do to protect that, and even as she knows the necklace is a start, she would spend every waking hour perfecting the protection so that Caly never feels that kind of pain again.
Her arms wrap around her sister in turn, tight and full of affection. It's hard to talk through the press of her bodies and the vibrant smile spread on her face. "I knew you'd like it." She'd never had any doubts, too familiar with her sister and too confident in her own tastes, but it's still nice to hear, a warmth spreading through her. For a moment, she basks in it, content to let the feelings swell and fill her, just happy that her sister is happy again.
But then her energy is bubbling along with the constant urge to move. She pulls away to give her sister a beaming grin. "Now, I think we have some mud waiting for us." It's not hard to tell from the slight pinching of her expression that she's not excited about that part, but it's supposedly 'fun' and 'good for your skin' and 'relaxing,' so... here they are.
When they're ready, the owner guides them to the mud baths, dipping his head before leaving them to disrobe and slip into the earthy substance. Nova pauses at the edge, glaring and pursing her lips before letting out a deep sigh and poking her toes into the water. Her face contorts but she doesn't remove her foot. "UGHK. This feels weird."
there's so much time for me to speak up, but i keep quiet
“I like everythin’ ya make me.” She offers, just in case Nova didn’t think she did. She adores each and everything her sister makes, from something as beneficial and kind as the shield she’s crafted for her, down to the little glitter bombs that would explode when she opened the door to her room in their old house.
Withdrawing from her sister and fully taking in the infectious bubbling of her sister’s mood, she deactivates the necklace with much more ease than putting it on, brows lifting before she snickers softly. “Yeah, guess we do.” She trails after her sister with more pep in her step, excitement flickering in her face even at the idea of mud.
Following the instruction, she has no qualms with diving in as her sister does. “Betcha it feels better everywhere rather than just your toes.” She teases, stepping in and hiding the weird sensation it sparks until she’s coated up to her chest and neck. “Least it’s warm!” She says with a hint of relief. “’N kinda heavy?” Like a weighted blanket which honestly? Incredible.
At least the mud smells better than she was expecting. It's light and earthy without the sharp putridness of rotting plants or feces, a cleanliness to it that she can appreciate even if the substance is dark and sticky, significantly lacking in sparkles. It's enough to give her pause, but not totally discourage her from sinking into the thick liquid with her sister.
First it's her foot, then her leg, then she's slipping down to her neck, the grimace ever present on her face until she's settled against the back, processing the sensation of smooth grime against her skin. "Hmmm. I guess it's not that bad." She pokes her fingers out, watching the mud fall away to leave a thin layer of wetness in its place. Nova inspects it, finding it annoyingly enjoyable. "Kind of like a gross hug..." Shrugging her shoulders, she lowers until the mud reaches the nape of her neck, only her face sticking out.
Looking to her sister, she smiles, bright and excited. "I'm starting to get designing requests. I'm hoping I'll have lots of fun things to make soon!" Her head tilts, curious as she asks, "What are your plans? Any places catch your eye?" After all, she doesn't expect her sister to be satisfied with working for someone after running her own place, and there's no limit to what she can do when she puts her mind to it. It's just a question of what Caly wants to do and how Nova can help her do it.
there's so much time for me to speak up, but i keep quiet
Satisfied as she lounges in the pit of mud, the attuned pops her eyes open to let her amber gaze slide over to see how her sister is taking the mud bath. It takes a little bit longer than she had to get used to the weight and stickiness of the mud, but when she does, she settles in quite comfortably, enough that she can let her chime of a laugh escape her when Nova sinks in enough to say it feels like a gross hug. “Yeah, kinda.” She agrees, wiggling around a little bit in the mud before she settles again.
Spying the excitement, she finds it pretty infectious. She grins back, tilting her head slightly such that a rogue piece of golden blonde gets stained in the mud. “You’ve gotta show me what ya make!” She announces, before she clicks her tongue as if trying to figure out what she’s intending to do with her life now. “Not sure yet, honestly.. Might make another bar, but then we’d be fightin’ with the House of Midnight for customers.” She sighs, rolling her eyes a little and sinks into the mud a bit more.
“I wanna make some place though. Maybe a spot in New Haven?” But for what, she doesn’t know yet. “You got any ideas? I’d love to hear ‘em.” Her gaze returns to her sister with a touch of hope, because if anyone knew her and what she liked, it was her siblings.
"Of course I will!" Her head nods emphatically, determined to show Caly each and every creation she makes, especially the cool or magical ones. Considering how she never plans to live more than shouting distance from her, it shouldn't be too hard, and New Haven had been pretty cute. "I think a store in New Haven would be great!" It doesn't take her long to think about it, having already decided that her sister is too brilliant to have her light dimmed by bosses and employers. The kind of store is another question though, and Nova hums, moving to tap her finger against her chin before remembering it's covered in mud.
Her finger lowers back down as the ideas flow. "Maybe a cute boutique coffee shop? Then you could still make fun drinks - even if they're not alcohol - and sell my stuff!" She only pauses long enough to giggle before offering, "Or a cool speakeasy! It could be more of an experience, and I think you'd be really good at that! You know what people want and how to make them feel special." Her smile is more pure this time, so proud of her sister and how incredible she is that she doesn't need any extra sparkle to make it shine.
A shrug of her shoulders has them peaking from the murky depths, removing any expectations or pressure that might weigh on Caly. "But that's only if you want to keep making drinks. This is a fresh start. You can do anything!" Nova winks, the flash of her eyes conspiratorial in how she'd absolutely overthrow the Archon if Caly wanted to rule the whole thing.
there's so much time for me to speak up, but i keep quiet
The location is settled easily, with Caly fully in agreement that New Haven would probably be the best space for such a business – with plenty of space available and eager neighbors to help, well… It already feels loads better than the Hanged Man and the weight of it. She could start with a true shell of a space and cultivate it, make it hers.
So when Caly settles in to listen to her sister’s ideas, there’s one that really sticks out. “You know me so well, Nova.” She hums with a soft laugh, sinking into the mud a bit more. As for whether or not she wanted to keep making drinks, well, she does but maybe not quite alcohol even if it paid well. Or if she did, perhaps something spiked? “I really like the idea of the boutique.” She mutters, squinting her eyes a little as she imagines it before she lands her attention back onto her sister. “Coffee ‘n snacks. Your designs. Hell, even V can include some of his own shit he wants to do in a back room maybe.” Secret menu code names for the full experience?
Her mind whirls a little with the ideas and potential, suddenly caught up a touch daydreaming it.
The ideas catch like fire to tinder, flaring bright in her mind as Caly confirms her agreeance. Nova giggles, head nodding so that a few curls fall from the clip they're stashed in. "Exactly! I'm sure you'd hear all sorts of juicy gossip sitting around there, and you could make cute designs in the foam!" Between business for the Gray Road, her own cute designs, and Caly's expert drink making skills, Nova has no doubts the place will be popping in no time!
The distant gaze and content smile are like a dream that happily drags her along, picturing vibrant canopies, sweet coffee smells, and the hum of people. She tilts her head, grinning as it all seems to come together. "So, boutique coffee shop. What would you call it? 'Caly's Coffee'? 'Fleek Boutique'? 'Celestial Destination'?" Her laughter chimes at the absurd additions, glancing expectantly at her sister to see what her vision might hold.
there's so much time for me to speak up, but i keep quiet
Caly’s mind is also alight with all the potential opportunities – something sunny and bright to let in plenty of light. A space that people would go to for a similar experience as a bar might be, but one that felt homier. Comfortable. A space they’d also be likely to overshare too much information without all the inebriation of it. Unless, of course, she added infused drinks to a menu.
She can’t hide the smile that lingers on her face, twitching up the corners of her lips before she laughs a chime of a sound to her sister’s questions. “Gods, I don’t even know. Sips ‘n Sunshine? Rise ‘n Shine?” Her nose wrinkles as she suggests a variety of options, head tilting as she swirls her hands a little in the mud bath, feeling the thickness of it move under her touch.
“Sun-Bean?” This sparks a bright laugh from her lips, looking to Nova to see her thoughts on the pun.
