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!
Oh, how she hated his smug face and his slimy words. He thought he'd got them, did he? That they were all going to bow down now that he'd pointed out there was work to do? The Citadel had stood for years before the man had arrived and it would see itself reborn after he was long gone too.
Roughly letting go of Neron, not caring if he stumbled, Morgan turned to the people around her. Her mind was empty, this having not been the plan, but her mouth worked before she had the chance to think about it too much: "I will stand as warden, at least for the reparations. I know this Citadel and it's people well. No one can doubt my dedication to this Citadel. I was born here and I will die here, defending it until my last breath." With this said she looked between everyone gathered, daring them to challenge her. "The last thing we need now is more of this Outlander family that have ruined our good City."
05-17-2020, 08:56 PM (This post was last modified: 05-17-2020, 09:00 PM by Weaver.)
She wore her scars as her best attire. A stunning dress made of hellfire.
They keep coming. Morgan grabs Neron, a little farther than Weaver might have taken it, though Weaver makes no move to stop it. Korbin arrives, and it takes everything in her to keep from flinging her arms around him right there. He’s alive and though covered in blood, it doesn’t appear to be his own. ”With me?” she asks, her voice quiet, because she needs him there with her now.
And then Neron is speaking, agreeing to step down if someone will step up. She takes a step forward, amber eyes looking to the Halovians that have gathered around her. They stand at her side, and she is beyond grateful for them in this moment. ”Me. I will stand as Warden. You have done what you can for us, Neron. It will not be forgotten, but it is time for a change.”
She focuses on Morgan. ”With you to protect us, always. I would want no one else.” She can only hope that will be enough to satisfy the Captain and her own claim. She turns to face those around her, hoping they will stand with her even now. ”Halo, will you have me? I know this town and these people. We have bleed together, broken bread together, and I will always support Halo.” She calls, voice loud and strong I’m the icy night.
As the words fell from Zariah's lips, Loren's blood ran cold. A coldly murderous expression crossed his features. Stepping towards her, his fingers shifted into claws. "You did what?" His voice promised death for her sacrifice of Jace.
However, things devolved quickly from there. Still glaring at Zariah, he spoke with a note of finality. "Get out of my sight. Go to your precious Academy before I drag you kicking and screaming there." Spitting at her feet, he turned and nodded as Korbin mentioned the wounded.
However, Neron had to go and try and turn the situation to his advantage again. As first Morgan, then Weaver nominated themselves, the healer growled. "I'm going to help the wounded. For what it's worth, I vote for Weaver." With that, he stalked off towards the Kraai.
Morgan, after her own words of anger, watched Weaver give her speech out to the people. While she initially, still coming down from the adrenaline of offering herself, felt some indignation at the other woman contending with her....but Morgan was not stupid and after a moment's consideration and hearing Loren toss in his vote..decided what was best.
She was a Captain, a fighter, but not a ruler. Not good with people.
Better to follow orders she could trust then struggle giving ones she wasn't confident in. The offer Weaver gave her was met with a nod. "..If Weaver is Warden, I will follow her as the new Guard Captain. I trust in her. I support her claim." She spoke out. As long as it wasn't anymore of these uppity Outlanders, she was happy.
And round about his home the glory That blushed and bloomed,
He had to restrain himself from sweeping Weaver up into a big bearhug. Would have done it, if not for the tension that hung in the air, and reluctantly Korbin held back on all the questions he had. It could wait. "Always," he replied to her, just as quietly. As if he would leave her to face these outlanders alone. He would have stood by her side through the battle if he'd just been quick enough to follow.
Dark blue eyes went from person to person, following the discussion as it billowed back and forth. He didn't say anything, but listened closely, and committed to memory what each person said and did. Korbin's jaws tightened when Neron spoke up, seething at the implications. Did he really not think the people of Halo would be able to do what needed to be done without him? Already they were stepping up to take care of one another, while the so called leaders stood around bickering.
There was a thrill of excitement when the man offered to step down. A sense of victory that of course had nothing to do with him. Korbin's eyes went to Morgan when she immediately stepped up; he smiled. It was as good a fit as any, and he was sure the woman would do an excellent job.
However, when Weaver too stepped up, his choice was made. Perhaps he was a bit surprised - but then again, maybe not - but his grinned widened, so proud of her he could burst.
"My vote is on Weaver." His voice rang without hesitation, clear and firm.
Morgan was a good woman, a great soldier. But she had backed Neron all these years, and while he didn't hold it against her, he would rather see real change, if it was still coming.
Is but a dim-remembered story Of the old time entombed.
I can't wait for this no more,
My eyes have come undone
It is all a chaotic shitstorm. Anger rolls through all of them. His own rage bubbled higher and higher as he learned that the Warden's son -- known or not -- had been sacrificed to the Eirachi by the hands of the Archmage. Ice cold eyes fall on her and it takes all of his strength not to launch out at her, grab her by the throat and bring her to face her own crimes. but Noah had done enough of his own killing. He let out a deep breath he had not realized he had been holding in, he listened to everyone else.
They demanded for Neron to renounce his position, and Noah could not agree more. "I support Weaver as Warden of Halo." While he knew that Morgan had been a good captain, like her father, she was exactly that: a captain. Weaver may not have the experience of being on the council, but she did had a heart for Halo and all its citizens. He could not say the same for the Hailstorm.
"Zariah, we have no forgotten that you openly admitted to child-sacrifice." He turned his steely gaze back to her, taking a step forward. "You, like Neron, must also pay for your crimes."
05-17-2020, 09:38 PM (This post was last modified: 05-18-2020, 05:03 AM by Neron.)
neron
It didn't make Neron stumble, but the soon to be ex-Warden did glance around the group, being careful not to look too hard at Loren or Zariah. They stood alone, the Launceleyns, now more than ever. A little shaky at first, with Morgan and Weaver warring between them, but a majority soon became clear. His hands clenched (because he hadn't forgotten Zariah's admission either, but thankfully that wasn't for him to deal with any longer), he nodded to Weaver.
"Then it's done," he said. "Warden Hale, I suppose it's up to you what happens next. Am I to be exiled, kicked to death by your lovely new captain, or thrown in some cell?"
EDIT FOR CLARITY:
Neron has stepped down as Warden, and has named Weaver as his replacement. She is now Warden of the Citadel under the existing cabinet.
She wore her scars as her best attire. A stunning dress made of hellfire.
They all rally to her, even Morgan. As Neron calls her Warden Hale, she nearly forgets to breathe. It is not excitement, but fear; that crashing understanding that comes when you realize just what you have done. She does not show it though, only nodding to those who have stood to support her. She has never itched to rule, but she could not stand idly by and do nothing when her people needed her the most.
Morgan. Please come to the Kraai in the morning, once you have gotten some rest. Though now, will you escort Neron to the Academy? Find him a room and make sure he is watched. The same for Zariah. Neron and Zariah, I will speak to each of you soon.” Not a cell, but a room. They were not traitors, just humans who made a terrible mistake. She turns her attention to Noah and the other hunters gathered nearby. ”My fellow hunters, Morgan could use a guard right now. Will you help her?” She does not doubt that they will step up and come to Morgan, and Halo’s, aid.
Lastly she turns to Korbin. ”Go back to the Kraai and make sure all who need places to stay have been able to find a room. We can continue to use the Academy for those without homes as well, and I am sure those whose homes are still intact will be willing to help.” She’d offer their home, but she needed one quiet place somewhere in all this. Then, generally, to those who have gathered, ”I will be at the Kraai should anyone need me. Do not hesitate to come find me.”
She waits, making sure her orders (how strange) are carried out, before turning to make her way to the Kraai to see what else awaits her there, and to find Loren.
I can't wait for this no more,
My eyes have come undone
They stood, supporting Weaver. Noah felt pride and satisfaction touch him for a fleeting moment, brushing familiar fingers along his chest. It was fleeting though, because the anger and mourning flared back up from his belly at the mention of Neron and Zariah's fates. They were to be taken to rooms to sit and wait judgement. While Noah--and Morgan--wanted to end it all here and bring them to their own fury-fueled justice, Weaver's decision was for the best. Noah let that sink in, nodding to her command. "I will rally all those that are willing." He said, his voice stone cold but confident.
Noah knew the hearts of Halovians, and he knew the majority of the men and women who watched their friends and family fall to the outside threat would lift their own weapons on response, ready to guard and protect those that were left in the Citadel. Noah would do whatever it took to keep the people he loved and cared for safe. He would stand as their shield no matter what it took. Turning away from them all, Noah set to gathering people and sending them to Morgan for orders.
And round about his home the glory That blushed and bloomed,
Warden Hale. It sounded so wrong, and so right at the same time. Korbin stood rooted, numb with triumph and disbelief all at once as he watched Neron step down and his sister replace him. Hard eyes softened as he turned to gaze down at Weaver, to see her reaction. He didn't think anyone else understood what that gleam in her eyes meant, but Korbin knew her too well; she couldn't hide her fear from him.
Still, there was no trace of it in the way she leaped into action, and this was no place - or time - to address it. He nodded to Noah when the hunter accepted his task, and touched a hand to his sister's back in a quiet gesture he hoped would bolster her, even if it was just a little.
"I'll take care of it," he assured her. With a final look around the gathered people, Korbin turned and walked away, already making lists in his mind of all the things he would have to do before the night was over.
He could succumb to shock and disbelief later - there was work to do.
Is but a dim-remembered story Of the old time entombed.
In the dead of the night, the veterinarian had been doing what most others in the small town were doing - sleeping. At the first blast, he was awake, and with a sense of foreboding, he stepped out of his room to hear his landlord's words, to hear others on the street running past. 'The Palace!' they exclaimed, and it was as if his blood ran cold.
Throwing on whatever clothes he could to survive the blistering cold, and grabbing the portable 'first aid' kit he had put together, and blankets and whatever else he could carry, Chuy exited the lodge and made his way swiftly towards the Palace. His thoughts were with all those he knew, but there was no doubting that his heart beat particularly thunderously at the thought that Kiada could be hurt, or worse. He didn't want to think about it, not until it was confirmed. He moved at a swift pace, dreading what he might find, but determined to face it nonetheless.
He helped those he could, he left behind those already dead, and he made his way through the debris to find where there was life still, seeking out that familiar face, hoping, praying that he would find it living, breathing, smiling again.
Finally, he recognised a group of people as he cleared the nearest pile of debris and got past another group of people who were as lost as he, and he saw her among them. He made his way over, his pace still swift, before throwing a blanket over Kiada's shoulders to help in this freezing climate. He leaned in close to her, to give a tight embrace if she reciprocated, otherwise he would simply stand by her side in silent solidarity.
A bunch of political shit was going down, and frankly, Chulane couldn't care less. Korbin's soft words reminding Loren of healing was all the vet agreed with. "To the Kraai," was all he said, his voice rough as his throat hurt from the cold air, the full impact of his journey across the citadel only just now hitting him as the adrenaline ebbed from his system. He doubted he would get much sleep tonight - he doubted many of them would - and he was determined to sit by Kia's side wherever she went, to support and heal wherever he could.
Freedom is secured not by the fulfilling of one's desires but by the removal of desire
With an efficient nod, Morgan gathered Neron and Zariah. If they were willing she would lead them to the Academy, not touching either of them unless it was necessary. After all, while the anger still thrummed through her veins, she knew that needless violence never ended well and she was frankly exhausted after the fight with the cultists.
That was not to say she took no joy in the task. There was some grim satisfaction in her, even with her failed pitch to be Warden, that Neron was no longer in charge. Marching up to the rooms in the Academy she said nothing more, just led them to their rooms then went off to find somewhere to consider all that had happened.
i can't be your midnight love, when your silver is my gold
She’s not involved in any of this, any of the politics that surround Halo. Nor does she want to be — but she needed her voice heard for the grounders, for those that she was put in charge of. And she does it, arms crossing along her chest as she watches everything unfold, watches Weaver take the crown, glancing quickly toward Korbin and the woman at her side before suddenly a blanket drapes along her shoulders.
Had she realized she was shivering? Perhaps.
Had she been too upset to realize it? Too full of that fire that had burned her spine to care? Probably.
Her arms unfold, reaching to the blanket to hold it tight, tired and sorrowful iceberg gaze slipping toward Chulane as he offers an embrace, and she leans into it — the surprising amount of comfort it brings with such a simple action — before turning on her heel with him hopefully in tow. “To the Kraai.” It’s half a whisper, half a promise, and she slips away toward the bar.
i can't be your second best, close but not your favorite
i keep going back for more, when there's nothing from before
KIADA
Kiada has a large X scar on the right side of her neck.
No permission needed for power play!
Feel free to use magic/force on Kiada, without killing her <3
Without another thought, Elena fell back on military training in other ways. Quick orders organized those who were staying behind with those who shouldn't be forging into the frozen night -- ignoring the few who dared suggest she might be one of them -- and those who would come with her. They might not be soldiers, but most who survived Halo learned a weapon in the process. Bundled tight and weapons in hand, her small group joined the others who were running to the Palace.
They'd just joined the crowd when the second explosion happened. Then the fight with the invaders, magic flying, the shouts of battle. Elena joined the crowd first in the Academy, then leaving it, doing what she could to help carry the wounded and calm the panicked. And even though a seed of panic tried to root in her own chest, she stubbornly refused to let it grow. There was no time.
She caught only the edges of the contention between the Warden and his advisors. Shouting, blame, anger. The Captain and the Hale girl, along with a few others, glaring the Warden down. News of the Guards' deaths, however, nearly stopped her heart. She'd known many of them, trained some of them. Sucking in a shaking breath, she buried the sorrow along with the panic.
Later. There would be time to mourn later. The ice and Mort would care for the dead. The living needed attention now.
With those others who had not been caught in the explosions or the attacks, Elena made sure everyone who need help walking got it. Of those whose homes were gone or were wounded, most went to the Kraai. Others spread to the homes of friends and family. Elena joined the latter. "Not tonight," she murmured to a young woman who tried to go back to her destroyed home. "Wait for daylight. Everything will be easier then." A lie, one she wished she could convince herself to believe.
smile and very politely say "you hit like a bitch"
