From being an Abandoned who had rarely left the Hollowed Grounds, to embracing the call of adventure, to dying and being reborn first as an Ascended and then as an Ancient, Maea has gone through quite the amount of changes in her life. One thing remains common, though, in her attempts to find out just where she belongs; she’s always had a craving for knowledge which has brought her to so many places and to meet so many people here in Caido. We can’t wait to see what else is in store for her!
Congratulations, Maea!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
Skinning and hosting by the epically talented Kaons, and functionality fanciness by the coding magic of Neowulf. If you ever see either of them around, make sure to show them some love!
11-05-2019, 02:50 AM (This post was last modified: 11-05-2019, 02:54 AM by Harper.)
they're teaching me to kill - who's teaching me to love?
Harper isn't one to be smug, but he's kind of been around the block okay? Circus kid? Check. Depressing orphan backstory? Check. Weird assassin training? Check. Becoming a vigilante? Check.
Falling through space and time in a magical portal?
Well...check?
He lands hard on his left shoulder, grunting at the pain and immediately - instinctually - rolling over it and onto his feet. Narrowed blue eyes scan his surroundings, and though he's undoubtedly freaking out somewhere in his head over the fact that this isn't the city he was just in, there's no time for panic if there is a threat to be found. Except...there isn't.
Harper moves in a slow circle, guard still high even as the crisp air and pale sunlight pulls invitingly at his senses, whispering that he can relax. Certainly an upgrade from the alleyway he'd previously been in, disgusting scents and idiot thugs included. He's not dreaming at least, he's still wearing his Kevlar, still has his weapons and gear, outfitted in sleek black and dark teal. But it still doesn't make sense how he ended up here.
When he continues to find nothing but sky and grass, the man's posture slowly relaxes, muscles unlocking one by one until a calloused hand runs through his dark hair, staring puzzled out at the horizon. "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore," he laughs wryly, wondering what the hell he has gotten himself into now.
To see anyone at the Spire was a shock. Oliver knew that some other people had arrived around the time he had, but things remained relatively quiet for a small bit. Occasionally he'd go back and check, but never stayed for long due to the blanket of snow that covered the ground. He felt like he had an obligation to help someone else, just like he received help when he had first arrived. Through reading, and what others had told him, new people would arrive at this one point seemingly at random.
And it was on one of those random days and times that someone arrived. He had been lucky, or perhaps unlucky, to have chosen to visit this place again. He had just visited one of the shrines, leaving behind three apples and some spices for Frey. Oliver had uttered a prayer before leaving, not really waiting for any responses. Since he had been out and the day was beautiful, he decided to take a walk. The Spire just happened to be one of the locations he had chosen to visit.
And then he saw a figure. This person was standing up right, looking around him. Perhaps he could have been around for a while, but the person did seem a bit confused. He said something, but Oliver couldn't hear from that far away.
Taking a couple of steps closer, Oliver called out to him. "Hello? Are you okay?" Was he going to assume that he was new? For all he knew, the dude could be just a super drunk natural who somehow ended up at the Spire. Might as well try to be nice? "Do you need any help? I'm Oliver."
they're teaching me to kill - who's teaching me to love?
If there's any benefit to this weird beautiful land he's now in, it's that he's not left alone for long. Though Harper was enjoying the scenery, breathing in the smog-free air like he'd never get it again, Quinn is a man who thrives off of companionship. So while he keeps his guard up, ready and willing to defend himself with significant force if the interaction turns sour, he nonetheless turns and smiles sunnily at the newcomer.
"Well I'm not sure where I am and my shoulder just took the entirety of my curvaceous bod on it, so," he laughs, free-flowing and unburdened. Harper has kind of learned to go with the flow considering his convoluted past. What was one more wrench in the system?
Harper ambles closer to the other man, removing the mask that conceals his features. Regardless of where he is, his identity is certainly not something he has to worry about being discovered. Slipping it back into his hip pouch, the taller man grins and holds out his good hand for Oliver in greeting. "My name's Harper, nice to meet you Oliver. Can you tell me where I am?" Hopefully that would help him get his bearings, figure out how far from home he was and how to get back there.
So. His suspicions had been confirmed...which, again, he wasn't entirely sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. Oliver didn't exactly understand why the Voice chose to brought people here. Some people claimed she had a reason or plan or thought they could do something great or something. Oliver kind of believed them, but he didn't like that there wasn't exactly any way to anticipate who would appear next. There wasn't a pattern and seemingly, anyone could appear from any world and any moment in that world's time. It was almost nonsensical, so it should be fun to try and describe it.
At first, Oliver was a bit wary of the other, but once the mask had been removed he relaxed. Reaching out, Oliver shook the other's hand. At least the dude was keeping a positive attitude. "Nice to meet you as well, Harper." Was it really nice? That all depended on how well Harper adapted and from what Oliver knew from personal experience, and from others, adapting is...really fucking sucky.
"It's...it's a lot." Oliver let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "How about we sit down? For a bit?" Without really waiting for a response, Oliver took a seat. It was a lot to say and some of it may be better said sitting down.
Whether or not Harper chose to sit down, Oliver gave him a few seconds to make up his mind before beginning with what he hoped was a suitable explanation. "You are currently in Caido, more specifically the Hollowed Grounds. You were brought here in a portal, as was I and many of the other people living here. Oliver watched the other, waiting for him to respond or give any inclination of emotions.
they're teaching me to kill - who's teaching me to love?
The kid - and really he shouldn't call him that, but Harper's idea of a kid is anyone younger than him - seems a bit anxious at his appearance. It's not exactly the first time Harper has experienced that, especially considering his suit was kind meant to intimidate people in the first place. But he keeps his expression warm and mild, content to let the other man approach at his own pace. Though he does shake his hand firmly, if only out of habit.
A crease forms between his brows as Oliver sits, aware lf the tactic from how many times he'd escorted traumatized victims away from an assault scene. Having it turned on him is...not great. But he sits obligingly nonetheless, not wanting to offend or seem like he was trying to be a tough guy. His long legs fold into an easy pretzel, leaning casually over his thighs in a deep, flexible stretch. Minutes ago he'd been brawling, and this weird encounter isn't gonna stop him from stretching out.
His tactical mind begins parsing the information immediately. Magic is a whispered, ill-concealed reality in his home. Though he has none himself, he's encountered others who have. And well, this portal thing sure stinks of it. "Let me guess, the portal is magic?" A wry grin, a mix of bitter and amused, pulls at his mouth. "Is there any way to get back to where I was before? How frequently does this occur?" It difficult to restrain himself from slipping into old interrogative techniques, but Oliver had been helpful and readily gifted information so far. He was willing to roll with the punches, but he needed all the information first, no matter how horrible the reality.
Harper seemed to be handling this far differently than he had, which was to be expected. Of course he'd deal with this differently and of course he'd have different questions. Plus, the man seemed a lot less dazed than him, capable of being confident and showing a personality that wasn't just confusion. Still, despite all the assumptions Oliver could make, nothing could really prepare him for answering the questions. He knew the answers, yes, but that didn't make answering them any easier.
"Well...it's kind of magic?" Was it magic? Was what the Voice considered divine in nature or more magical? What he did was magic, yes, but could the gods' acts be considered magic as well? "As far as we know, there is no way back. You are permanently stuck here." He let a small pause rest, trying to give the man some time to process the information. "People seemingly appear, really. The person who brought you here is named The Voice and she's one of our gods. People arriving isn't really scheduled, it kind of just happens." Oliver realized that he hasn't exactly answered Harper's question, not really.
"Some people arrive together and others arrive alone. I came here not too long ago myself."
11-05-2019, 03:51 AM (This post was last modified: 11-05-2019, 08:11 PM by Harper.)
they're teaching me to kill - who's teaching me to love?
Okay, magic Harper can get behind. He's sort of the "have to see it to believe in it" and he'd certainly seen enough of it over the years. But gods? Like...literal gods? Like "holy Mary mother of God" gods? Well that's kinda like believing in Santa for Harper. (Oh, and if he knew the irony of his race, he'd laugh himself sick).
It's easier to focus on that bewilderment rather than the crushing news that his new living scenario is permanent. That he won't see his mentor, the woman who had become like a mother to him, ever again. That she will wonder what happened to him, with no evidence of where he disappeared to or why. Would she know that he hadn't wanted it? That he would have resisted if only he had known how? Would she mourn him, assuming his death, or would she wait forever for a son that would not return?
Yeah, he doesn't want to think about that. Not now. Not in front of a stranger. But Harper is an impeccable actor, and he quirks an eyebrow in blatant disbelief at the prospect of The Voice. "Okay, now that's a bit far into left field even for me. A God?" Maybe he should be more open minded considering his background, but come on. There has to be a line somewhere right? Gods surely crossed that.
"So is there like a program in place to help us poor displaced wanderers or do we just kinda hunker down like cockroaches?" His bright grin is evidence of his teasing, but the seriousness of his question is still presented. Where the hell was Harper supposed to go now?
Ah shit, he didn't even have an extra pair of underwear.
Oliver could recognize that Harper was most likely going through a lot on the inside. Despite his outward confidence, he had serious doubts that he was completely okay with this whole new world thing. This was especially proven when he immediately showed his doubts of the gods. Oliver couldn't really blame him, even he still had his doubts. "Yes...the Voice is kind of a god. We have a good few of them, each representing a different thing. I personally haven't met any, but plenty of the people I know have personally spoken with them, but I'll leave those stories for them to share." Oliver probably sounded like a weird church leader trying to beckon Harper to join his congregation.
"Lucky for you, people here tend to be super kind when it comes to people who just arrive. I cant make anything appear for you, but I do know of people who can. As well, I know of a few merchants who can get me some supplies for you." After all someone did owe him a favor for helping to clean off a really disgusting wagon. Nasty shit that was.
"There's also probably some empty houses available. Or you could find someone to crash with? People here are nice...most have been in your position. There isn't really a need for a program when we all just want you and everyone else to survive." Oliver couldn't exactly offer to have Harper stay with him. He was still living with Loren and would require his position. Besides, he wasn't sure how he felt about sharing a room with a complete stranger.
11-05-2019, 04:11 AM (This post was last modified: 11-05-2019, 08:11 PM by Harper.)
they're teaching me to kill - who's teaching me to love?
Well okay, color Harper surprised. Whether he believes the kid or not can really be ignored considering this is apparently an entirely new realm. Was that the proper word for it? Regardless, he'd either confirm Oliver's words as he went about Caido, or he'd sleep soundly without caring whether it was true or not. Well...maybe. He certainly would have words to say to The Voice for ripping him from his life without his consent, but he knows his own version of God. Getting smote isn't his idea of a fun time. So maybe he'll keep his mouth shut, even if he has never really been good at that. Oh well, clean slate right?
"Well you're certainly making this place out to be pretty decent. Can you walk me towards wherever I can force myself on the kindness of these folks?" He winks at Oliver here, feeling not quite at ease but at least more centered. Ready to figure out more information, filing away his more negative feelings in well-trained emotional suppression that will probably spontaneously kill him someday.
He stands, arching back and groaning as his shoulder protests with a deep twinge, but folds himself nearly backwards at the hips as he stretches. "Come on Olly Olly Oxenfree, lead the way!" He intends to continue his questions, but Harper is an acrobat at heart. Sitting still isn't exactly fun for him, and he needs to get a move on, compile more information, and secure his place to sleep for the night at least.
Good thing Harper arrived after LongNight. It would've been awful to arrive before or during. Hopefully he would be able to adapt before being thrown into the idea of monsters. Should he mention that? Eh. It'd probably come up naturally in the conversation.
Standing up himself Oliver nodded, "Yeah, sure. There's a place where a lot of locals trade goods. As well, we can try to find one of the people who could make you clothes...? I know of a couple of them, so whichever one you want to do is fine." Either way it was pretty much in the same direction, so he started walking away from the Spire. "We Barter and stuff here, so if you want to go to the tradesmen then we will most likely have to offer up a service." Would it be okay to take him to Remi? Or even Loren? Oliver wasn't sure and it felt rude to assume that the two would be so willing to help them out. Already Oliver had used them so much...so would it be okay to seek help with handling a newcomer?
"I'd offer some of my clothes but...I don't think they'd fit." It was a small attempt at a joke to relieve any tension.
Trading ground is definitely forward movement, especially because it implies a society of some sorts. A town, a city? Judging by the wilderness around them and the lack of transportation, he'd wager a town at the most, otherwise Oliver had been walking for hours. "I'm sure I don't need anything so fancy as tailored clothes," he assures kindly, more than willing to prioritize quantity over quality considering how little he had arrived with. Especially unwilling to become indebted to a specific person so quickly, no matter how highly he liked to think of strangers. Such optimism would have to be carefully applied until he figures out the inner workings of this land.
A teasing grin is shot Oliver's way at the idea of offering up services. "What, they won't just swoon at my good looks and give me everything they have?" Preposterous! But he'd rather not bring up his particular...talents to the young man. They were ill-suited for these strangely peaceful people that Oliver spoke about, and he doesn't wish to tarnish the man's perception of him so soon. Preferring to laugh in surprise at Oliver's attempt at joking, eyes taking in the visible differences between their builds. "I'm sure I could squeeze like, half a thigh into your pants. Good enough right?" Brilliant blues sparkle with hilarity, because well. He's hilarious. Or at least he likes to think he is.
Didn't need any fancy clothes? Based on the fact that the guy owned a special mask, Oliver got an entirely different idea than that. Still, not everyone was like him. Oliver knew it was a bit weird to be super into tailored clothes, he just liked it when things fitted to his form and looked really attractive on him. "We can work with that, then. The most you'll have to do is carry some boxes or something. Then you can get some basics."
Many people that Oliver had met tended to have a sense of humor and it was actually something Oliver enjoyed in people. He liked to see someone joking around, it made him feel less stressed and far happier overall. So to hear all the jokes and see the grin on Harper's face was great. "Maybe if you find the right people they'll do that." Oliver said with a laugh and a wink. "Some people also just like being nice to new people.
Harper wasn't wrong, hell, his arm wouldn't even fit into Oliver's neck hole. "Too bad, I have a wonderful sense of style." Oliver trailed off, glancing down at his outfit. It wasn't...the best. Not in the slightest. Just very simple with muted colors. "Okay, I swear I have a better style than this, I just haven't found anyone to make me clothes yet." More like he hadn't met anyone that he felt comfortable asking for oddly specific clothes from.
Carry some boxes? Yeah, Harper can do that. He'd spent years training his body to the fittest level it could attain, and under some of the worst circumstances. Though he still doubts the general niceness of the citizens of Caido, a part of him is tentatively hopeful. Perhaps even relieved, that such a small act might be considered restitution.
He's pulled back to the present as Oliver laughs and - miracle of miracles! - even winks. Harper's smile is nearly blinding, positively thriving off of getting the younger man to loosen up enough to tease and joke. "Are you saying that as the head of the Nice People Committee? Because you seem like you're great at it." Beneath the teasing there is a curling warmth of appreciation and sincerity to his words. Even after escaping from the veritable hell he'd been stolen into, the city he'd finally settled in hadn't been full of nearly so nice of people as Oliver. A shame, considering Harper fed off such kindness, and had been starved of such genuine connection.
Harper laughs softly at Oliver's sheepish expression, his gaze flitting over the subdued clothing. "I've trusted you this far so you can get a pass on the questionable clothes. But don't go asking for more ya hear?" A return wink, a sunny grin, and then he's leading them out of the trees and onto the streets. Already Harper is comparing the technological differences, the stonework and distant stalls more rudimentary than he's used to. But exciting all the same. "You'd stop me if I was leading us off into the wrong direction right?" It seems like they're in the right place if those stalls are any indication at least.
11-07-2019, 03:27 AM (This post was last modified: 11-07-2019, 03:27 AM by Oliver.)
OLIVER
It was true that Oliver appreciated having the other man be so happy. It was a contagious sort of joy where Oliver could feel himself growing happier at the presence of the other man. It was nice to know that some people could handle this better than him. He could only hope that he'd be okay on his own and not do...stupid things. "Not quite. I was in your shoes not all that long ago. Nobody else has really arrived recently, you're the first one after me and this kid." Oliver shrugged, it hadn't been all that long ago, really. "People helped me and I want you to receive help...You deserve to feel comfortable and not alone."
Soon they were making into the center of town, or well kind of. They were where the naturals, and some outlanders, displayed their wares. "Hey, I've only gotten lost a couple of times...and that was when I first arrived! I know where I'm going now." There was a playfulness to his voice, showing he wasn't offended in the slightest.
"You're doing great so far. Are you...hungry? Need anything? Aside from clothes and stuff to start you off."
