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!
Just before dawn when the air is starting to grow fragrant and the light from the sun is still soft and diffused against the twilight. The call is personal, gentle. It interrupts your dreams and pulls you from your beds, drawing you out into the stillness.
Calm accompanies the silence; and you know in your bones that trouble shall not reveal itself as he who calls. No. This voice is as gentle as a well-worn love letter, opened and folded again until the folds have disappeared and the paper has long given away into something so fragile and soft.
It calls you out into the misty morning, into the ghostly mists that seem to prefer lingering longer than they ought to around the Spire.
11-23-2019, 05:52 AM (This post was last modified: 11-23-2019, 05:53 AM by Jigano.)
Drawn from his bed and the embrace of his mate, Jigano walked silently across the pre-dawn fields. He didn't know what drew him, for this call was unlike the siren songs or racing drums he'd known before that seemed to gather so many to some spirit's side, to be questioned and tested and either gifted or found wanting. This was simply... peace.
It was something he'd had far too little of in his life of late, and he cherished it dearly as he passed over the greening grass. His bare feet seemed to leave no trace in his wake, the earth holding no print from toughened sole and then pointed talon, the grass springing back straight and healed as soon as he stepped away. Silver hair gave way to silver scales, and he blended with the morning mist as his surprisingly light steps carried him towards the Spire that loomed so dauntingly over them all. He paused only when he'd reached the place where the silent song seemed to swirl around him, bidding him wait. For the moment he was alone, first to arrive, and the dragon sat back on his haunches to lift his scaled head to the sky and greet the approaching morning with a rare sense of serenity.
Adam was usually a deep sleeper, so it was unusual for him to wake up before the morning sun had been well in the sky for a long time; he blinked with confusion at the still dark view out of his window, but something told him he had somewhere to be. Yawning he got out of bed (kissing Pet's hair just before he left) and pulled on some clothes, heading out with Coffee following at his feet.
It seemed he was being led to the Spire. He hoped there wasn't something trying to force him into the portal; he did not want to go to cold, snowy Halo.
Seeing a dragon at the foot of the Spire, he paused, wondering if this was an enemy, or the voice that had called him here. But the air was so serene, he found it hard to be wary. Slowly walking forward, he let Coffee go ahead to greet the much bigger dragon, the little fire beast rolling over on his back right away and wiggling to get closer.
ADAM
So what's the point of robbery when nothing is worth taking?
It's kind of tough to tell a scruff the big mistake he's making
The summoner arrived on four legs that easily carried him towards the Spire. The chance to stretch his legs and continue exploring his new form was more than welcome. Obviously he had heard the peaceful call, immediately waking from his light slumber. As he arrived, he was shocked to see a dragon there, the honey badger's stride slowing for just a moment. Jigano? Adam and Coffee were there as well, and the Launceleyn picked up his pace.
Although Loren didn't know why he'd been summoned here, he found it was impossible to worry too much. The serenity in the air would not be denied or disturbed. Instead he simply walked forward, before settling down by the dragons.
In reality, it hasn’t been so long since she’s felt this kind of serenity (at the hands of her goddess, no less - the ultimate caress), but it’s so very welcome right now in this time of inner and outer turmoil. No dreams for the Wraith, no sleeping, just a blanket of peace that descends unexpectedly and beckons in the way that the mysteries of Caido always seem to to. She glides silently to the Spire, joining the group that accompanied her in opening the door. A group that would probably rather see her dead right now - but that doesn’t seem to matter in this moment. She offers no greetings to the others, just takes in the dragon and the badger, Adam and Coffee and stands furthest from the beasts to wait like they always do.
A reverie falls upon each of you like so much pollen. It stills your animosities, your own personal quests, departures, and triumphs. Those are emotions for a later time. For now this is about closure.
A breeze moves swiftly through the area, disturbing the mist that has settled like a sigh upon the land. From somewhere impossible within, as if the mists were much deeper than you know them to be, a great shape appears. Not so large as the dragon is, but large enough.
A ghostly snake.
The deceased guardian.
Coiling in glistening loops, its scales like iridescent pearls, it regards those who have arrived with large and intelligent eyes. Death is a part of life. It says, mental voice filling the minds of all, hybrid, accepted, and ascended alike. The creature has a decidedly androgynous voice, smooth like rain falling into the sea. This initial comment seems to be said towards Jigano though given the creature's stare, before it shifts to look at Wessex. Even so, we are responsible for our own actions. It adds with a nod to the ascended demi-god.
Lifting itself, its head shakes ever so slightly. Rae knew the time would come when I was removed from the Spire. By your hands or some other, it was inevitable. I thank you for it.
Jigano bent his sinuous neck down to greet Coffee, offering the little dragon a gentle puff of cool air through his nostrils as he tickled the black scales fondly as the peace of the morning remained over him. Loren's approach had him raising his head, glittering blue eyes focusing on the small honeybadger as he tilted his head in agreement. Loren, he greeted warmly, curling his long feather-scaled tail around his friends as he settled down to the grass.
Not even the arrival of Wessex could ruffle his giant scaly feathers, and he remained relaxed and content to wait for what the morning would bring.
He could not have expected to see the serpent again, but the tranquility kept him from being too surprised. He bowed his head deeply to the guardian, and remained in respectful obeisance at the gentle reminder of the cycle of life. Yes, agreed softly.
The snake's calm acceptance and gratitude was a gift Jigano could never have predicted, and it humbled the dragon as a gently musical trill escaped his throat. You served long and well, he said gravely. Your diligence and loyalty to your duty is an inspiration I will always keep with me. I am glad you have found peace in your freedom. Though regret remained for his failure to save the snake, the peace of the morning made it easier to accept its loss and Jigano's failure to find another way.
Adam looked up at the breeze in time to see the ghostly snake. He took a step back, worried the creature had come for a round two, but it appeared that this was not a time for revenge, but gratitude.
Not that he'd really done much. But he wasn't going to turn down the chance for a reward if there was one in the running, and there was something about the snake's voice that made him feel serene. "You're welcome." He said with a friendly nod, Coffee rubbing his face against Adam's knuckles for reassurance.
ADAM
So what's the point of robbery when nothing is worth taking?
It's kind of tough to tell a scruff the big mistake he's making
11-26-2019, 08:09 PM (This post was last modified: 11-26-2019, 08:11 PM by Loren.)
LOREN
As Wessex approached, Loren’s eyes flicked towards her. However, even the queen’s presence wasn’t enough to disturb the quiet. Still, he shifted so that he was watching her. However, then the ghostly arrived and the summoner turned to face it fully.
At its words, the Launceleyn sent a pulse of gratitude to it, once that Jigano would feel as well. I am glad you found peace as well. May Mort embrace you and may you enjoy your well-earned rest in his realm. With that, Loren fell silent, though a curiosity joined the calm in his mind. He wondered why the snake had lingered to speak with them, especially if it was at peace.
Pointedly ignoring Loren and his, what - attempt to watch her to death? Make sure she cant disturb the peace that she, too is under? She nods to the phantom in acknowledgment with the stuff about being responsible for her actions. Here she is, facing them, facing a damn ghost snake isn't she? Despite what others may think, she's owning it all, making it public knowledge, and staying out of any other decisions they may want to make.
The thanks, however, is unexpected and Wessex is noticeably taken aback. "A creature of Rae would say that," she remarks aloud. Warmly. "You were a noble adversary."
The giant creature nodded towards Jigano, the vibrant intelligence in its aged and now ethereal gaze shimmered with a font of understanding and appreciation. For everything there is a time and a season, though I am glad that my watch is now over.
Though Adam might have thought that his efforts were not as useful as the others gathered around, he couldn't have been more wrong. All dominoes are equally as important in ensuring that the last might fall as expected.
Rae has plans yet for my soul. The creature replied to Loren, though the sentiment was well received just the same.
Indeed. The great guardian replied, strangely ancient voice whispering into their minds. To die at the hands of one of the Voice's chosen...yes. I think that shall go down in the history books nicely. The creature mused, as if its demise was no more than a minor plot point in a larger story. Which was of course, precisely the case on multiple levels.
Uncoiling itself slightly the guardian raised its tail. Partially translucent though it appeared to be in the early morning mists, suddenly just the top of it solidified. Each assembled possessed a unique weapon: Wessex had her claws, Jigano had his talons as did Loren, and Adam had Coffee as well as a knife. I would offer you each a scale as a symbol of my appreciation. So saying the creature extended the now-physical part of itself towards the group, with a nod to them that it would have to be by their own hands (claws, talons) that they took it.
Item received
Snake-Guardian Scale: A palm-sized opalescent scale from one of Rae's portal guardians. When used, it will take the holder from their current position into the portalling dimension regardless of where they are. Once it has been used, it will disappear.
You all also receive +2 stats. Let me know where you'd like them to be distributed!
The dragon's head remained bowed as the snake shared its wisdom, contemplating on the words and the patience they seemed to urge. There was regret, too, that now two such ancient and intelligent creatures had died within the Spire. The Tulmhainar's experiences and wisdom had been lost, but perhaps the serpent's would remain, if not in this form than another, as Rae rewarded their servant for a job done long and well. Indeed, it would be a tale for the history books - or at least, the Loreseeker Guild Chronicles, for future generations to read.
The offer of a scale should have been more surprising, but the morning's calm magic made anything seem possible. Jigano's tail slowly curled and uncurled slowly around Loren and Adam as he hesitated, but the offering was made freely, and the guardian was beyond death now. Beyond pain, too, the dragon hoped, as he balanced on his hind legs and reached forward to hook a talon as delicately as he could beneath a scale, attempting slice it free as cleanly and swiftly as his sharp claw would permit. Thank you for this, he sent gratefully. It is a gift beyond price.
All things come to an end and this event isn’t as bad as anyone else would make it out to be, or at least that’s what Wessex takes from it. How silly to blow something out of proportion when the thing that actually died isn’t upset about it. And hey, if she can bring the snake a little infamy, she’s happy to do so. Stepping forward to take the scale from the ghost snake, she looks at it with a soft smile. It’s a beautiful thing, something that she can appreciate more now - under vastly different circumstances. “Rest well,” she says, stepping back and dipping her head in mutual respect before tucking the scale away some place safe.
It was impossible to argue with the words and the peace coming from the snake. So he didn't. Instead, Loren gingerly reached up with a paw to gently extract one of the proffered scales. Not at all bothered by the correction in terms of the snake's next destination, he sent a pulse of warmth and gratitude towards the spirit of Rae’s guardian. Thank you. And whatever comes next, I hope you find peace with it as well.
Transferring the scale to his jaws, the summoner bowed his head briefly to the ghost. Raising it, he turned to regard the other members of their group, wondering how, or if, this would or could change anything.
For now, though he was happy to bask in the calming aura for a little while longer.
