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!
Despite Jigano’s long-winded explanation, Deimos was used to listening, to adhering, to patience in the Sage’s speeches. While Jigano continued and persisted, the Sword’s eyes went to the lanterns, concentrating on parameters and particulars, and when everything was finished, advanced towards the table once more. Quietly, painstakingly, he followed through on examples, models, and demonstrations – and began to construct décor for his chosen one – light and fluid particles, much like water, much like ice, tiny, minute droplets meant to represent cascades of showers and snowflakes, enigmatic pulls and twitches of fellow Basiners who’d lost their lives before him, or after, in the great purge of Helovia. He gave no explanation towards the intentions, no announcement, keeping all of the memories for himself, immersed and embedded in his silence all the more.
under the bludgeonings of chance my head is bloody, but unbowed
04-15-2020, 03:14 AM (This post was last modified: 04-15-2020, 03:43 AM by Rance.)
Quanil’s energy was a little overwhelming and Rance knew that, have he been in raven form, his feathers would have been fluffed up in reaction. But the smile stayed on his lips and the young Loreseeker continued, brightly welcoming and interested in Rance’s opinions. Their enthusiasm was an much more overt version of the curiosity Jigano said was common among the guild members. “I guess so, I don’t have a easy answer, and no, in that order.” Rance ticked off, chuckling a bit by the end, their excitement reminding him of his own younger siblings whenever he came home to visit.
He didn’t have time to dwell on the sadder aspect of that comparison before Jigano was giving instructions. Having heard it all fairly recently, he tuned out, putting together another boxy lantern as he had before. This time, instead of having his sister in mind, he began decorating with the life he’d left behind in his thoughts. Bright ‘jewels’ of colored paper for his mother. A pine branch for his father. A flock of tiny black birds for the others. They were all rudimentary and, really, the only reason he knew what they were was because he made them, but it was the thought that mattered.
Conversation murmured around, the crowd having gone a bit quieter as they worked, but Rance didn’t look up until Quanil spoke. He blinked up from decorated paper as the last piece was set to dry on the frame and sucked in a deep breath. “Hmm? Well, it’s not art, but it’s not like a queen’s goin’ to be judgin’ it.”
Eventually, Rance almost chose not to let the lantern go and take it instead back to the tavern in Sanctuary. Only, with help to light the candle, did he choose to release the lantern, watching the memories of his home slip away as a bittersweet farewell.
He was glad to see people enjoying themselves; some trying their hands at making new lanterns, others making use of the pre-made ones to light prayers and send them skyward. There was a quiet murmur of conversation as groups of friends and families spoke of their constructions and the people they were meant for, though no one else seemed inclined for more public memorializing. It was enough for Jigano that the general air of the event was upbeat, though there were plenty who chose silent solitude for their lanterns.
As more of the glowing memorials began to rise Jigano looked around, glad that the little event was such a success. At first he stayed at the lantern-making table, offering advice when asked and demonstrating a few more lanterns – for Caiside, Adam, and Isla. Once those who were intent on crafting their own had a good start he moved among his friends, asking quiet questions if they seemed inclined to speak of those they were remembering, or simply nodding gratitude for their presence if they didn’t. He helped himself to some of the small fruit pastries and a cup of punch as well, savoring the bittersweet sight of the lanterns rising against the dark sky to bring the prayers of the living to those now held for eternity in Mort’s domain.
This is the end of the planned portion of the ME. Many thanks to those who participated! Feel free to continue interactions and conversations without rounds or turn order, or to use this as a jumping-off point to start separate threads occurring during the party!
